Medical emergencies can happen anywhere.
On January 15, it happened at the Hoosier Energy Power Delivery Operations Center (PDOC) in Spencer.
A contractor was complaining of chest pain that ran from the sternum to between the shoulders.
In less than five minutes, a trio of Hoosier Energy employees were on the scene in front of the Engineering Building. Substation Design Engineer Josh Popp took the lead, assisted by Power Systems Design Manager Tony Moorman and Compliance System Operations Technical Advisor Jimmy Stultz. Popp and Moorman are certified Emergency Medical Responders (EMRs), while Stultz is a former EMR.
The patient was able to walk without difficulty to the break room where Popp took their blood pressure and advised calling 9-1-1 while monitoring with a pulse oximeter.
The trio continued to collect medical information, history, onset of symptoms and other pertinent information until the paramedics arrived and took over care before transporting the patient for further medical care.
That incident is one reason why Hoosier Energy is proud to sponsor an EMR Program which provides initial training as a means for employees and cooperative members to be certified by the state of Indiana. The State Certified Program is a two-year certification, during which participants must take an additional 20 hours of training. Hoosier Energy helps facilitate the additional training with in-service hours throughout each calendar year. It consists of practicing skills acquired during the initial training and related topics of concern.
EMR certification is part of Hoosier Energy’s emphasis on safety as the electric industry ranks among the 20 most dangerous jobs in America by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Though not first responders, the industry is indirectly tied to medical emergencies by responding to accidents involving poles and lines, house fires to shut off power, downed power lines by weather, and training EMS personnel on electrical safety.
Not only that, Hoosier Energy-trained EMRs are volunteer firefighters, EMTs and coaches in their community. As of 2024, Hoosier Energy had 51 employees trained as EMRs. Clark County REMC has 14 EMRs, Daviess-Martin County REMC has four, Harrison REMC three and the Utilities District of Western Indiana (UDWI) one.
The 2025 EMR class, which starts in March, is already filled to capacity (13), while sign-ups for the 2026 class are already halfway full
Employees or cooperatives interested in more information about joining the EMR program should contact Hoosier Energy Senior Manager of Safety and Training Brandon Gentry at bgrentry@hepn.com.