Ottawa (November 24, 2021) – Today, the Canadian Electricity Association (CEA) recognized the selfless and heroic efforts of seven unique lifesavers employed by our member companies. These individuals were honoured at CEA’s Powering Partnerships Board Summit at the Westin in downtown Ottawa.
“CEA’s Annual Lifesaver Awards provide a glimpse of the brave men and women that work in the electricity sector. These individuals have risked their own safety and gone above and beyond the call of duty for a stranger in their community,” commented President and CEO of the Canadian Electricity Association, Francis Bradley, “I’m inspired to work in an industry with these everyday heroes who are making our sector a safer place.”
Introduced in 1922, the Lifesaver Awards are granted annually to any on-duty employee of a CEA member utility who was involved in a lifesaving attempt or acted to prevent further harm to someone who needed immediate help.
“The Lifesaver Award recipients being recognized today are compassionate and brave members of their community, who stepped forward to save others from life-threatening danger. It’s been a privilege to hear their inspiring stories, and to be able to thank them for their courageous action,” said Robin Yee, Manager of the OHS and Standards Programs at the Canadian Electricity Association.
The following individuals have been awarded a CEA Lifesaver Award:
Adam Demchuk, Field Metering and Equipment Technologist, FortisAlberta
Adam Demchuk took immediate action after witnessing a serious car collision on his way home from work, where the vehicle in front of him hit a guard rail, flew into the air, plunged into a ditch, rolled over, and stopped on its roof. Adam preformed a situation assessment, improved access to the victim for paramedics, and retrieved equipment needed (water pack, fire extinguisher) to protect against the possibility of a fire hazard.
Dan Bedard, Engineer in Training Transmission OPS Support, SaskPower and Gus Wilson, Contractor and Owner of McKenzie Ventures (Contracting for SaskPower)
During a suspected heart attack incident, Gus Wilson performed CPR on a fellow contractor, and Dan Bedard travelled to retrieve an automated external defibrillator (AED) which was used to revive the victim to a sitting and talking state. Although the individual passed away that evening, Dan and Gus’ actions ensured that he had had a better chance of survival during a 45-min wait for an ambulance, in an area with no cell phone coverage.
Greg Miller, OPG Service Trade Maintainer, Ontario Power Generation
Greg Miller and his partner were working at the Lady Evelyn Control Dam when they heard cries for help. A boat passenger was pale in colour and unresponsive and in need of medical assistance. Greg took action to initiate chest compressions on the unresponsive individual; obtained pertinent details to provide to paramedics on their arrival; administered first aid; and helped transfer the individual into ambulatory care.
Pat Murray, General Tradesperson, BC Hydro
Pat Murray delivered heroic, lifesaving actions on two separate occasions in 2021. On one instance, a truck lost control and narrowly missed striking Pat’s Hydro truck and crashed into a pole. Pat used an AED to revive the victim’s heartbeat and consciousness before handing-off to a BC ambulance. On another occasion, Pat administered first aid to a victim who received a serious blow to the face outside of a BC Hydro substation. He then transported the victim to the nearest medical clinic where an ambulance transported the victim to the local hospital.
Joseph Soluri, Electricity Operations Team Member and Jason Goulet, Electricity Operations Team Member, EPCOR
The EPCOR utility crew pulled over to the side of the road and sprang into action when they saw an apartment on fire and a woman on the second floor in distress and trying to escape. Joseph Soluri ran to set up and steady their 12-foot ladder so Jason could climb up to help and encourage the woman to climb down and escape.
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About the Canadian Electricity Association
Canadian Electricity Association (CEA) members generate, transmit and distribute electrical energy to industrial, commercial, residential and institutional customers across Canada every day. From vertically integrated electric utilities, independent power producers, transmission and distribution companies, to power marketers, to the manufacturers and suppliers of materials, technology and services that keep the industry running smoothly -all are represented by this national industry association.
For additional information:
Julia Muggeridge
Vice-president, Communications and Marketing
613.719.9323