A Massachusetts contractor experienced a life-threatening electrical shock while decorating a large tree with Christmas lights. The incident occurred Wednesday morning in Wellesley as the contractor, hired by a homeowner, was using a pole to hang the lights. Police believe the pole either touched or came very close to a main power line, resulting in the shock.
A 911 caller reported the contractor was unconscious, possibly seizing, and had stopped breathing. The caller began CPR until first responders arrived and found the victim in cardiac arrest. First responders used an AED and CPR to revive the contractor, who then regained a pulse and was transported to a local hospital.
Wellesley Police Officer Michael Pino told WHDH that the contractor was part of a power washing company taking on holiday light installations for extra income. The incident happened when the metal pole they were using came too close to a primary wire on a nearby telephone pole. The Wellesley Municipal Light Plant confirmed there was no ongoing risk to the public following the incident.
Wellesley Police, Fire, and the Wellesley Municipal Light Plant expressed their support for the victim and his family.
