If you find a person lying prone and not breathing while in contact with an electrical wire, what should you do first?

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In a situation where a person is found lying prone and not breathing while in contact with an electrical wire, the priority must be to ensure safety before attempting any interventions. Shutting off the power and removing the wire is the correct first action because touching a person who is still in contact with a live electrical source poses a severe risk of electrical shock to the rescuer, which can lead to more injuries or fatalities.

Once the power is safely shut off and the person is no longer in contact with the electrical source, the rescuer can then assess the person for consciousness and breathing. After confirming that the person is not breathing, the proper next steps could include calling for emergency services and administering CPR as necessary, but these actions come only after ensuring the environment is safe.

Attempting to revive the person or administering CPR while they are still in contact with the electrical wire would endanger both the rescuer and the victim. Thus, the crucial first step is to shut off the power and ensure that the area is safe before proceeding with medical assistance.

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