What:               MayDay Drill — This is the final event of a week of specialized lineworker training at the line school conducted by the Minnesota Rural Electric Association. This practice drill will provide an emergency situation that is as realistic as possible with “injured” workers, 911 calls and emergency personnel from different departments responding. Also, an actual ambulance helicopter will be landing to transport the “injured.”

Where:             Wadena State Community & Technical College (1 mile south at lineworker training yard)

When:              9 a.m., April 21, 2023

Why:                 Utility linework is one of the most dangerous jobs in the country. All training must include robust safety training and what to do in case of an emergency. Line workers practice responding to medical emergencies as part of their annual training. This event provides training for line workers as well as local emergency personnel who will respond and assist in this drill.

Who:                Line workers in training (60 students), full-time career lineworkers (50)
Wadena County Sheriff’s Department, Fire Department, medical personnel and air ambulance helicopter

Visuals:             Opportunity to see line training upclose with workers on poles and in buckets. A helicopter airlift for the injured is part of this drill that brings together multiple emergency response personnel and utility companies.

Organizations: Minnesota State Community & Technical College
Astera Health
Wadena County Sheriff

This is a joint effort to provide realistic training for several occupations. It will provide great visuals and a compelling story of collaboration for the good of helping people in various vocations practice life-saving response methods.