The Heart-Wrenching Story Behind the 1967 “Kiss of Life” Photo

Electrical Technology

The Heart-Wrenching Story Behind the “Kiss of Life” – A 1967 Photo by Rocco Morabito Showing Mouth-to-Mouth Resuscitation to a Lineman Atop a Utility Pole

The iconic “Kiss of Life” photo, taken on July 17, 1967, captures an extraordinary act of heroism that saved a life. The image, showing a lineman who had come in contact with a live electrical wire receiving mouth-to-mouth resuscitation atop a utility pole from his colleague utility worker. The photograph became famous worldwide, earning the photographer, Rocco Morabito, a Pulitzer Prize. This is the powerful story behind that incredible moment and the story, known as “The Kiss of Life,” exemplifies the importance of immediate first aid in electrical accidents.

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The Incident: Contact with Powerlines

In 1967, two utility workers, Randall Champion and J.D. Thompson, were working on a 20ft utility pole in Jacksonville, Florida. Randall Champion accidentally touched a 4,000 volts hot power line, causing a severe electric shock. The electrical current traveled through his body, knocking him unconscious, but his safety harness prevented him from falling to the ground.

The accident occurred in the 1600 block of West 26th Street, and the unconscious Randall Champion was taken by ambulance to Baptist Memorial Hospital. His health condition was not clearly determined that day.

According to retired lineman J.D. Thompson, “A lot of people won’t believe it happened 50 years ago; even I find it hard to believe myself. Many people survived, but yes, many also died, depending on how long they remained in contact with the live conductor.”

Thompson added, “Champion was blue, actually, more like grey-blue, at the time of the accident.

Despite the term “low voltage,” contact with electrical wires can still be life-threatening. In this case, the voltage was approximately 4,160 volts. Although classified as low compared to high-voltage transmission lines, this level is more than enough to cause severe injury or death. Electrical accidents often involve both current and voltage factors, which can disrupt cardiac rhythms or cause respiratory arrest.

Immediate Response: The Kiss of Life

J.D. Thompson, Champion’s co-worker and partner, immediately climbed the pole to save him. Time was critical as Champion was hanging lifeless, and Thompson knew he had to act fast. Without the opportunity to bring Champion to the ground for proper CPR, Thompson did the only thing he could: he gave mouth-to-mouth resuscitation right there on the pole. He continued until he felt Champion start to breathe again.

Thompson’s quick reaction made all the difference. He applied consistent breaths, keeping oxygen flowing into Champion’s lungs using CPR until paramedics arrived and took him to the Baptist Memorial Hospital. This immediate action was crucial for survival, as electrical shocks can cause both ventricular fibrillation and respiratory paralysis.

The Photograph: Capturing Heroism

Rocco Morabito was born in Port Chester, New York. He moved to Florida at the age of 5 and began selling newspapers as a newsboy for the Jacksonville Journal when he was 10 years old.

On that hot day, Photographer Rocco Morabito happened to be nearby when the incident occurred. He was on assignment for the Jacksonville Journal, covering unrelated topics. As he passed by, he noticed the emergency unfolding and quickly captured the iconic photograph. This photo, later named “The Kiss of Life,” went on to win the 1968 Pulitzer Prize for Spot News Photography, symbolizing human bravery and the power of quick thinking in an emergency.

Kiss of Life - Photo by Rocco Morabito - 1967 — Kiss of Life – Photo by Rocco Morabito – 1967

The image, known as “The Kiss of Life,” is powerful. It captures the raw emotion and urgency of the moment, a life hanging in the balance while a colleague fights to save it. The photo symbolizes both the dangers utility workers face and the solidarity among them.

Aftermath

Thanks to J.D. Thompson’s quick response, Randall Champion survived the incident having an injury of burn to his foot, joined the work after a week and lived for another 35 years, passing away in 2002 at the age of 64. Rocco Morabito, the photographer who immortalized the rescue, died in 2009 at the age of 88. As of the latest accounts, johnny, the lifesaver i.e. J.D. Thompson remains alive and has expressed humility about his role, stating that he simply did what anyone would have done to save a friend.

Legacy of “The Kiss of Life”

This incident and the iconic photograph served as a wake-up call for the industry. It highlighted the need for quick emergency response training among utility workers. It also underlined the importance of having partners or coworkers during hazardous tasks—so that help is readily available when needed.

The photograph became a symbol of courage and humanity. It reminds us of the risks faced by those who maintain essential services and the vital importance of being prepared for emergencies.

Technical Analysis: Electrical Safety and First Aid

Electrical injuries are among the most severe workplace hazards, especially for utility workers. Although Champion came in contact with what is termed a “low voltage” wire, the voltage was enough to cause electrocution. The impact of electrical current on the human body depends on several factors:

Voltage Level: The voltage in this instance was 4,160 volts, which is capable of causing both burns and heart arrhythmias.
Current Path: The current flowed through Champion’s body, likely affecting his heart and muscles. The heart is particularly vulnerable to electrical currents.
Duration of Contact: The longer the exposure, the higher the risk of fatal injury. Thompson’s quick response reduced this exposure time.

Mouth-to-mouth resuscitation was the correct response. In cases of electric shock, respiratory arrest is common. The absence of oxygen can quickly lead to brain damage or death within minutes. CPR, when combined with artificial respiration, can help sustain life until advanced medical care arrives.

Electrical Safety Measures: Then and Now

In the 1960s, electrical safety protocols were not as rigorous as they are today. Safety equipment such as insulated gloves and harnesses were in use, but standards varied. Today, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and other organizations have developed strict guidelines:

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Utility workers must wear specialized PPE, including insulated gloves, boots, and face shields.
Lockout/Tagout Procedures: These procedures ensure that circuits are de-energized and cannot be accidentally re-energized during maintenance.
Training: Modern electrical safety training emphasizes emergency response, CPR, and the use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs).

A Reminder to the Lineman

“The Kiss of Life” is more than a dramatic image and it is a lesson in preparedness, bravery, and the importance of immediate action. The actions of J.D. Thompson in 1967 serve as an inspiring reminder of the value of first aid training, especially in high-risk professions. Today, with better safety protocols and advanced training, electrical workers are more prepared, but the spirit of that moment lives on as a testament to the importance of saving lives in the face of danger.

The captured moment by Rocco Morabito shows the world what true heroism looks like, leaving an indelible mark on history.

Hats off to the Linemen: Through rain, hail, hurricanes, and tornados, all the linemen are there to bring light from the dark. Hats off to all linemen for their service.