In a harrowing incident that unfolded during a scorching Florida summer in 1968, the quick thinking and life-saving actions of an electrician, Jay Thompson, earned him a place in history. Thompson’s heroic intervention not only saved his colleague’s life but also brought him lasting recognition in the form of the Pulitzer Prize, one of the highest accolades in the United States, awarded for achievements in music, cinema, theater, and journalism.
On that fateful day, the air in the city of Jacksonville buzzed with the hum of air conditioners trying to combat the intense July heat. Little did anyone know that this seemingly ordinary day would turn into a life-or-death situation for two electricians, Randall Champion and Jay Thompson, who were engaged in routine maintenance on a live power line.
As fate would have it, an unforeseen power surge caused by an overload of power lines triggered a tragic incident. Randall Champion accidentally made contact with one of the wires, resulting in a powerful 4000 V discharge that coursed through his body, causing his heart to stop. To put this in perspective, it’s worth noting that during executions in the electric chair, a voltage of 2000 V is typically used.
Amid this dangerous scenario, Randall’s lifeless body hung from the harness, but his partner, Jay Thompson, demonstrated remarkable composure in the face of this life-threatening crisis. With every second counting, Thompson, realizing there was no other option, embarked on the difficult task of administering artificial respiration to his stricken friend right there on the power pole.
The circumstances made the resuscitation effort incredibly challenging, but Thompson’s determination and quick action made all the difference. He persevered, tirelessly trying to restart Champion’s heart until, at last, a faint pulse was detected.
With the pulse returning, Thompson unhooked his partner’s safety harness and, with great care, lowered him to the ground. The arrival of rescuers, alerted to the incident by professional photographer Rocco Morabito, who happened to be at the scene, coincided with Champion regaining consciousness on the ground.
Thanks to Thompson’s heroic and selfless act, Randall Champion not only survived the ordeal but went on to live another 35 years. Tragically, Champion passed away in 2003 at the age of 64, but the legacy of Thompson’s courageous actions lives on.
Today, Jay Thompson remains alive, a living testament to the power of quick thinking, determination, and the bond of brotherhood that can arise in the face of life-threatening situations. The actions of one electrician on that sweltering day in 1968 are a powerful reminder of the extraordinary measures individuals can take to ensure the safety and survival of their fellow human beings.