On a warm, sunny day members of our South Bend line crew partnered with a contracted forestry team to complete a job. But what happened shortly after the task began sent a buzz of adrenaline through the crew.
South Bend line crew was presented with the AEP Life Saving Award. From left to right: Brent Schoenleber, Adrian Wiggins, Colin Latislaw, Sebastian Rakoski, Chad Adkerson and Jarrett Burnett.
“The worker was in the bucket performing his job in the tree line and we noticed he didn’t look well,” said Colin Latislaw, Distribution Line Crew supervisor. “He was slumped over in the bucket and told his fellow tree trimmers he had been stung by a bee.”
The situation then got more urgent as the tree trimmer relayed from the air that he didn’t have his epi-pen.
“We called 911 and helped get him out of the bucket truck. A few of us stayed with him and gave first aid, while others ran to a nearby fire station for medical assistance,” Latislaw said. “He needed our help, and we didn’t hesitate. We make each other aware on our crews if we are allergic to bees or certain foods, so we were prepared to help our partner in this situation.”
The I&M crew stayed with the worker until an ambulance arrived to take him to the hospital.
“This is yet another great example of how we show up for each other while on the job,” said Brian Lett, manager of Distribution System in South Bend and Elkhart. “We never know where we might be when we can make a difference and that’s exactly what this crew did. I’m proud of their quick and brave actions.”
The tree trimmer was treated and released from the hospital that same day. According to hospital workers, the quick actions from I&M’s line crew likely saved the man’s life. That’s why the crew recently received AEP’s Life-Saving Award. It recognizes employees who go above and beyond their daily job responsibilities or lives, while remaining committed to Zero Harm.