Ottawa (November 21) Electricity Canada’s lifesaving award recognizes the everyday heroes of the electricity sector. The 2023 lifesaving award recipients have all shown extraordinary courage—whether that be providing first aid in serious motor vehicle accidents, or assisting in the rescue of an injured pilot, or performing CPR on a teammate after a severe fall. These recipients have all used their situational awareness and first aid training, with compassion and bravery to assist members of their community and prevent potential tragedies.
The lifesaving awards are presented as part of the Occupational Health and Safety program at Electricity Canada, which tracks and monitors safety records of member utilities. These awards are granted annually to any on-duty employee of an Electricity Canada member company who was involved in a lifesaving attempt or acted to prevent further harm to someone who needed immediate help. These individuals often risk their own lives to help a stranger in need.
This year’s awards were presented at the sixth annual Electricity Canada Powering Partnerships summit in Ottawa to 23 individuals from five utilities from across the country. Including:
Hydro One -Jason Elliot
While driving to a work site south of Sudbury, Jason stopped at the scene of an accident where a minivan had left the highway at a high rate of speed. Jason immediately ran to the wreckage and was able to pull the lone survivor from the vehicle and provide first aid.
BC Hydro - Paul Lu, Chris Browning, Ryan McKay, Pat McMinn, Greg Kitt, Mike Sawatsky, Dave Thomas, James Cotter
After witnessing the crash of a micro-lite glider pilot, the transmission crew set off on foot to search for the pilot. The crew located him and removed him from the wreckage. They assisted first responders in transporting the pilot to an awaiting ambulance via helicopter.
FortisAlberta – Justin Roberts
Justin was one of the first on scene to a motor vehicle accident involving a motorcyclist who had hit a deer. Justin administered first aid to the victim and keeping him calm. He was able to control severe bleeding and stabilize the victim’s neck and body while 911 was called by bystanders.
FortisAlberta – Dwain Hausherr
Dwain witnessed a half-ton truck lose control while rounding a corner on the highway just outside of Drayton Valley. Dwain pulled over to call 911 and immediately made his way to the crash site. The victim was frightened, bleeding, and trapped in the confined space of his rolled-over truck. Dwain was able to cut his seat belt and get the man out of the vehicle. He remained calm and stayed with the victim until emergency services arrived.
Hydro Quebec – Annie Martin
During the recent forest fires in Northern Quebec last July, a convoy of four vehicles was sent to rescue a group of firefighters who became trapped at a Hydro-Québec power plant. However, on the way there, the convoy was directly surrounded by the wildfires, and they were forced to stop. After hearing the convoy’s cries for help via radio, Annie, who is a nurse and health counselor at Hydro-Québec and her team were sent to rescue the convoy. Once they found them, Annie and her team immediately began treating the convoy members’ injuries and arranged for their transportation to local hospitals. Annie also coordinated the long-term medical treatment and psychological support for all of those affected by the incident – including the 11 firefighters, who were eventually rescued after the smoke had cleared.
New Brunswick Power - Jason McKellar, Pat Daigle, Josh McClellan, Grant Donnelly, Hunter Smith, Pierre Luc Larouche, Jean Michel Legace, Stephen Daley, Samuel Saulnier, Dave Jalbert, Luc Gallant
Two New Brunswick Power employees fell from a broken pole while repairing damaged equipment after an ice storm. In difficult weather conditions, the crew performed CPR and guided paramedics to the accident site. Unfortunately, one of the fallen employees succumbed to his injuries. However, the other injured worker was able to be rescued thanks to the actions of his crew members.
Quote
“We have been giving out the lifesaving awards for many years now. And every year, I am inspired by the incredible, heroic people we have working for our member companies. It’s an honour to share their stories and to thank them for their bravery”. – Francis Bradley, President and CEO, Electricity Canada
About Electricity Canada:
Founded in 1891, Electricity Canada (formerly the Canadian Electricity Association) is the national forum and voice of the evolving and innovative electricity business in Canada. The Association supports, through its advocacy efforts, the regional, national, and international success of its members. Electricity Canada members generate, transmit, and distribute electrical energy to industrial, commercial, residential, and institutional customers across Canada. Members include integrated electric utilities, independent power producers, transmission and distribution companies, power marketers, and system operators, who together deliver electricity to all Canadians, in every province and territory.
For additional Information:
Graeme Burk, Director of Communications, burk@electricity.ca 613.809.0720