The Pole Top Rescue Competition is a biennial event hosted by North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives that tests the lifesaving skills lineworkers rely on in the field every day. During the event, competitors respond to a simulated emergency in which a fellow lineworker becomes unconscious atop a utility pole. Participants must radio for help, climb the pole, safely lower a weighted mannequin and begin CPR, all while being judged on speed, technique and safety procedures.

Four County EMC’s local qualifiers showcased the talent and training of the cooperative’s line crews, with several competitors turning in impressive times. Brendan Bolio recorded the fastest time of the day at 2 minutes, 15 seconds, followed by Caleb Sholar at 2:34 and Hunter Hanchey at 2:52.

While the competition highlights quick response times, the true focus remains safety and preparedness. Pole Top Rescue scenarios mirror the same certification exercises all North Carolina electric cooperative lineworkers must complete to maintain qualification to work on energized systems.

The statewide Pole Top Rescue Championship will bring together top competitors from cooperatives across North Carolina this October, where lineworkers will once again demonstrate the training, teamwork and commitment that help keep communities powered safely and reliably every day.