At Pee Dee Electric, safety is more than a priority. It is a core value woven into every aspect of our work. Crews participated in our annual Pole-Top Rescue training, a critical hands-on exercise that prepares linemen to respond quickly, confidently, and effectively in emergency situations.
During the training, each lineman must complete a detailed rescue procedure designed to simulate a real-life emergency. The drill begins with assessing the scene and issuing a mayday call before retrieving rescue equipment, securing safety gear, and climbing the pole to rescue “Kool,” a life-sized mannequin representing an injured co-worker. Every participant is required to safely complete the rescue in under five minutes.
While we hope our crews never face a real-life pole-top rescue, this training ensures they are prepared to act when every second matters. Exercises like these reinforce the teamwork, skill, and composure required to protect one another in the field.
“This training reflects our commitment to protecting our employees, serving our members responsibly, and strengthening the communities we call home,” said Dustin Marsh, Safety Coordinator.