Our Lineworkers Receive First Responder + Training

Fourteen Power Operations lineworkers recently participated in First Responder + training aimed at giving them the tools and knowledge they need to act as first responders when an accident occurs. Our lineworkers travel throughout the region, from La Baie to Chute-des-Passes, on their ATVs or snowmobiles, and often find themselves in remote areas in the woods, far from major roadways. They are sometimes required to help community members in the event of health and safety incidents. Thanks to their vigilance and their First Responder + training, our lineworkers are able to provide first respondent care and assistance to people in need. Moreover, they are always ready to make themselves useful and share their expertise in health and safety by intervening in a preventive capacity.

“Lineworkers all have basic first aid training, which is mandatory for their job,” explained Jimmy Desmeules, Supervisor. “However, to build on their knowledge, they participated in First Responder + training a few weeks ago. This training allows them to act as first responders and perform first aid in the event of an accident. By providing this kind of training and promoting health and safety in the workplace, we make our employees even more vigilant and better equipped to help community members when needed.”

Examples of Bravery

Yannick Lecompte and his colleague Carl Fournier intervened last March in an accident involving a snowmobile and a vehicle. Thanks to their composure and know-how, they were able to intervene successfully. “We had just received our First Responder + training, and we were able to give first aid to the snowmobiler until the ambulance arrived,” said Yannick Lecompte. “We immediately checked whether he was conscious and then immobilized him. As a result of our training, we were confident and in control. We didn’t hesitate to take action and went straight into problem-solving mode. The paramedics even asked us if we were first aid workers.”

The second example involved prevention. It happened while Marc Fortin was inspecting power lines on his snowmobile. “I spotted a potential source of danger, as there was a guy wire close to the snowmobile trail, just before a turn,” said Marc Fortin, Lineworker. “There was a risk of collision. We reached out to the technical team right away to take care of the problem. The wire was eventually removed, and the trail was cleared without any incident. When we’re on patrol, we always keep our eyes open. We’re trained and ready and highly aware of the risks.”

These are just two examples that show just how important it is for employees to have this kind of training and, more importantly, to use their health and safety skills to benefit the community.

A guy wire near the snowmobile trail was removed to avoid potential accidents. This preventive measure was the result of the vigilance of lineworkers with First Responder + training.