Randolph Electric's Chris Smith ranked among the fastest in the state at the 2023 Pole Top Rescue Competition at Nash Community College in Rocky Mount.

This biennial event pits lineworkers against the clock and each other as they demonstrate essential lifesaving skills and the on-the-job knowledge required to maintain the lines on the REMC distribution system.

“North Carolina’s electric cooperative lineworkers exemplify the meaning of service to community,” said Farris Leonard, director of job training and safety for North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives.

“Whether day or night, rain or snow, our lineworkers are out in their communities ensuring the 2.5 million North Carolinians who rely on electric cooperatives to power their lives have access to reliable service.”

To advance to this state championship, each competitor had to win a similar event at his local cooperative.

North Carolina's Electric Cooperatives hosted the competition, which takes place on de-energized equipment. In the simulation, competitors from each cooperative must attempt to save an injured, unresponsive co-worker atop a utility pole.

Dressed in full climbing gear, each contestant must radio for help, scale 20 feet up the pole, safely lower a 105-pound mannequin to the ground and start CPR.

Dressed in full climbing gear, each contestant must radio for help, scale 20 feet up the pole, safely lower a 105-pound mannequin to the ground and start CPR. REMC CEO Dale Lambert emceed this year's competition.

"Randolph EMC is dedicated to safety training that promotes quick thinking when lives are on the line," said Lambert. "We are proud of Chris, who demonstrated outstanding skills in this challenge."

All North Carolina electric cooperative lineworkers must complete this same scenario in less than five minutes to maintain their certification to work on co-op power lines.