Apprentice Lineman IV Josh Bain with wife, Hope, and daughter, Aspen.

“Kool, are you alright?”

Those four words signal the official start of a pole top rescue exercise. It’s a timed operation that all co-op linemen must perform within five minutes to remain certified to climb. The best of the best from each of North Carolina’s 26 electric cooperatives compete biennially at a competition in Raleigh. This year, Tideland was represented by lineman Josh Bain of our Grantsboro district.

Kool is a 105-pound dummy pre-positioned 20 feet in the air awaiting rescue, simulating a situation that could all too easily imitate life.

A mad dash ensues to the service truck to call for help and collect climbing gear. “MAYDAY, MAYDAY, there is a man hurt at pole number 54321, send Rescue Squad.” Equipment belt, gloves and climbing gaffs are collected and another dash is made back to the pole. After properly adjusting fall protection, the lineman will suit up with over 20 pounds of gear.

He proceeds up the pole then connects a safety strap so he can attend to the victim. He hammers a screwdriver into the pole just above Kool’s head and then uses the victim’s handline to create an elaborate pulley system. Once Kool is lowered to the ground, the lineman descends. He detaches from fall protection, and removes his climbing gaffs and gloves before shaking the victim and asking again, “Kool, are you alright?” He then begins CPR, counting aloud while delivering five chest compressions. Time ends. Josh Bain completed the exercise in 2 minutes and 59 seconds.