On what should have been just another Monday morning in Chennai’s Arumbakkam, 24-year-old Kannan Thamizhselvan was commuting to work, weaving through the usual puddles left behind by the previous night’s torrential rain. But fate had other plans. In a moment that would forever change two lives, he spotted something alarming on the flooded road ahead.
A small, unmoving figure lay in a shallow pool of water. It was a child. And something was terribly wrong.
The water, rippling unnaturally, gave away the danger: it was charged with electricity from a leaking underground cable. The boy had unknowingly stepped into it and was being electrocuted.
Kannan didn’t hesitate.
He pulled over, kicked off his slippers, and waded in barefoot, dodging the ominous electric current. Risking his own life, he reached the boy, gently pulled him out of the water, and placed him on dry ground. The child was unresponsive. Panic rippled through onlookers. But Kannan, drawing from a CPR video he had once watched online, got to work.
He began chest compressions, counted breaths, and refused to give up. Minutes passed like hours until finally, a faint cough emerged. The boy stirred. He was alive.
Thanks to Kannan’s courage and presence of mind, 9-year-old Jaden Ryan survived.
This act of heroism is a powerful reminder that bravery often arrives without warning, and that ordinary people can do extraordinary things when it matters most.
What to do if you see someone being electrocuted
Kannan’s incredible rescue raises an important question: would you know what to do in such a situation? Here’s a guide from experts to help you act safely and effectively if you witness an electrocution:
- Do not touch the person directly: Your instinct may be to pull them away, but this can be fatal. Electricity can pass from the victim to you. Instead, try to shut off the power at the source (circuit breaker, switchboard). If that’s not possible, use a dry, non-conductive object like a wooden stick, rubber mat, or thick cloth to move the person away.
- Stay out of water: Never enter a waterlogged area where electrocution is occurring. Water conducts electricity. Use insulated footwear, or better yet, wait until the area is declared safe by professionals.
- Call for help: Dial your local emergency number (108 in India) immediately. Even if the person seems okay, electric shocks can have delayed and serious effects.
- Check for breathing and responsiveness: If the person is unconscious and not breathing, begin CPR if you’re trained. Even basic knowledge from a video, like in Kannan’s case, can make a huge difference.
- Look for burns or signs of shock: Electricity can cause serious internal injuries. Do not apply ointments or touch burn wounds. Lightly cover them with a clean cloth and wait for medical help.
- Prevent future accidents: After helping the victim, report the incident to local authorities. Alert them about any exposed wires, sparking poles, or unsafe waterlogged areas.
Kannan’s story isn’t just one of a hero’s heart. It’s a call to all of us — to be aware, to be prepared, and to be willing to step up when the moment demands it. Because you never know when a puddle in the road might hold more than just rainwater.