By Tara Miller, Manager of Communications
When an emergency strikes, first responders put themselves on the front lines to protect their communities, often facing hidden dangers like downed power lines and damaged electrical equipment. Preparing for electrical risks is an essential step in keeping others safe when approaching the scene of an accident or a fire.
In an effort to educate emergency personnel, Central Electric hosted safety training at its headquarters west of Mitchell on April 23.
Participants included firefighters and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) from Armour, Brandon, Canova, Carthage, Centerville, Corsica, Delmont, Ethan, Fedora, Mount Vernon, Parker, Plankinton, Rosedale Colony, Sioux Falls, Wagner, White Lake and Woonsocket.
Brian Bultje, Central Electric’s Manager of Operations, led the session by sharing examples of common electrical meters and explaining protocols for safely disconnecting power.
“When there’s a structure fire, power will typically need to be disconnected,” Bultje said. “In some cases, there could be multiple electric utilities. If you are unable to locate the main electrical disconnect or the meter is mounted on the structure, please contact your emergency dispatch center so they can assist in contacting the correct electric provider.”
“Pulling electric meters is not recommended,” Bultje cautioned. “Removing a meter does not guarantee the power is off.”
He added that response time depends on when the utility is notified. Bultje explained that when a lineworker receives an emergency call, they stop what they’re doing, change into flame-resistant clothing, travel to the shop to gather the necessary equipment and then drive to the emergency scene. They work as quickly as possible, but it takes time for crews to arrive.
After Bultje’s presentation, Mark Johnston of Regions Hospital Burn Center in Saint Paul, Minn., discussed electrical burns from a medical perspective. He explained how electrocution can affect the human body and treatment methods for burn patients.
The training concluded with a high-voltage demonstration, emphasizing the destructive power of electricity and the damage it can cause. By the end of the session, attendees gained insight and knowledge to help keep themselves and others safe during emergencies.
Thanks to the first responders who took time out of their schedules to attend this specialized training.