Assisting an unresponsive or unconscious coworker atop a utility pole is a rare occurrence for a lineworker. But pole top rescue skills are vital for people who work in the electric utility industry, as they have the potential to save a life.
That is why linemen from K.C. Electric Association participate in comprehensive pole top rescue training each year: It teaches the tools and confidence to act decisively in an emergency. Annual training also includes the office staff who receive the mock mayday call over the radio from the linemen in the field and simulate relaying the information to 911.
“You hope to never have to use this in the field, but at least our workers will be proficient and know the proper emergency steps they must take if there was ever an event where they had to perform a pole top rescue,” said K.C. Electric Operations Manager Darren Fox.
K.C. Electric conducts pole top rescue and bucket truck self-rescue simulation drills annually as part of its robust safety strategy, but this year the co-op offered more in-depth training with assistance from industry partners.
K.C. Electric Mission
Our mission is to provide our members with safe, reliable service at the lowest cost, while maintaining an environmentally responsible, accountable, and sustainable operation now and in the future.
David Churchwell is the General Manager of K.C. Electric Association. KC Electric’s mission is to provide our members with safe, reliable service at the lowest cost, while maintaining an environmentally responsible, accountable, and sustainable operation now and in the future.
