08/04/2025
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This iconic photo, taken by Rocco Morabito in 1967, is called âThe Kiss of Life.â It shows two electrical workers, Champion Randall and JD Thompson, atop a power pole. While doing routine maintenance, Champion accidentally touched a low-voltage line, sending over 4,000 volts into his body and causing his heart to stop. (For comparison, an electric chair uses around 2,000 volts.)
Thanks to his safety harness, Champion didnât fall, and Thompson, who was climbing below, quickly reached him and began mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. Although he couldnât perform full CPR due to the situation, Thompson kept Championâs lungs active until he felt a faint pulse. Then he carefully unzipped the harness and carried Champion down the pole on his shoulder.
Once on the ground, Thompson and other workers performed CPR, gradually bringing Championâs breathing and heartbeat back. Paramedics arrived soon after, and Champion made a full recovery. He survived and lived until 2002, passing away at 64 from heart failure. Thompson is still alive today.
The photo, showing what looks like a life-saving kiss, was widely published and won a Pulitzer Prize in 1968. It beautifully captures the bond between two men who were more than just coworkersâthey were true friends.
