Thomas J. Ortolani, 50, restaurant kitchen helper, rescued Lynn L. Nichols, 15, schoolboy, from electric shock, Eggertsville, New York, July 12, 1957. While Lynn was attempting to erect a galvanized pipe 29 feet high to he used as a radio antenna in the rear yard of his home, the pole swayed against a power line, which carried 2400 volts of electricity and was located above a wire fence. Sparks crackled at Lynn’s hands and chest, which were in contact with the pole. A boy with Lynn summoned others, including Ortolani. They found the top of the pole still against the high voltage line and Lynn slumped unconscious against the fence, which in some manner had become energized. Smoke issued from points where Lynn’s body touched the fence. Ortolani, who had suffered a heart attack a year before and had been advised to avoid excitement, approached the antenna with a wooden croquet mallet which had been lying on the lawn overnight. Holding the handle with both hands he thrust the head of the mallet against the pole. The antenna did not move. Ortolani felt a tingling sensation and dropped the mallet briefly. He then placed it against the antenna again and, thrusting twice with all his strength, moved the base of the pole five feet. The top of the antenna broke contact with the power line, and the pole fell to the ground. Lynn fell away from the fence and, beginning to revive, moaned in pain. He was removed to a hospital and confined for three months as the result of extensive burns, which necessitated amputation of both of his arms
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