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The best utility crews in the state compete in this simulated pole top
rescue exercise.
The Pole Top Competition became part of the
Governor’s Industrial Safety and Health Conference in 1973 to teach
people about proper rescue techniques.
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Teams of
linemen from the electrical utility industry compete for honors in
rescuing a victim from a utility pole in a mock industrial
accident. Three judges are
chosen by members of the conference’s electrical utilities
panel.
The preliminary competition is held the
day prior to the conference, with the top four teams competing at
the conference. Just before the final competition, teams are
given a “problem” or situation that makes the rescue more
difficult and requires the teams to think about the safest and
most effective way to rescue the victim. |
Rules
 | Linemen must be belted at all times during the rescue. They
are allowed to unbelt only if they need to go around an obstruction. |
| Tools, materials or hot sticks must not be thrown. |
| All competitors must ensure they do not come in contact with
energized equipment. |
| All safety and health rules must be observed. |
| The linemen must check for vital signs, respiration and pulse of
the victim, and then rig and send the victim to the ground. |
| The lineman on the ground will check for breathing, give two
breaths, check the pulse and perform four cycles of CPR. |
| The lineman will climb down the pole, treat for shock and check the
victim’s pulse. When a pulse is felt, the lineman will
instruct the lineman on the ground to stop CPR treatment. |
| The lineman will check the pulse for five seconds. If no
pulse is felt, the lineman will give two breaths to the victim and
take over the CPR procedure. He will then complete four cycles
of one-person CPR. |
| The lineman on the ground will then monitor the pulse and the
victim. |
Scoring
On the pole:
| Calling for help and informing people on the ground about the
victim’s condition. |
| Time and safety in climbing the pole. |
| Clearing the victim. |
| Checking for vital signs – shake and shout, checking for
respiration and pulse. |
| Technique of rigging, handling and lowering victim to the ground. |
On the ground:
| Calling for help and informing people about the victim’s
condition. |
| Handling the victim on the ground. |
| Check for vital signs – shake and shout, giving breaths, and
checking pulse. |
| Perform CPR. |
| Treat for shock. |
Rankings and awards are presented at the Conference
luncheon.
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