Emergency Response Training with SSVEC

When you think of a first responder, you likely picture a police officer or a firefighter. But when emergencies involve downed power lines or damaged electrical grids, linemen are often the first on the scene.

On September 22, Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative (SSVEC), alongside first responders, conducted a Mayday Emergency Response Training Drill to practice this exact coordination. How did the drill unfold, what skills were tested, and how did crews walk away feeling?

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What was the Mayday exercise?

The Mayday Emergency Response Training Drill simulated a field emergency involving a fallen power line on a vehicle, creating an electrical hazard that SSVEC crews had to secure before EMTs could extract the driver.

Midway through the scenario, the complexity escalated when a lineman was struck by a vehicle. The evolving crisis gave SSVEC crews, 911 operators, firefighters, EMTs, and rescue teams the chance to practice communication, coordination, and medical response as the situation intensified.

Police, ambulances, fire trucks, and an emergency helicopter were brought to the scene, and equipment such as stretchers, saws, axes, and grounding cables were used.

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What did crews accomplish?

The main goal of this exercise was for teams to establish clear communication and coordination as conditions on scene changed. Throughout the drill, crews worked together step‑by‑step, beginning with SSVEC linemen grounding the power lines so EMTs could safely reach the driver. Once the lineman was struck mid‑rescue, EMTs initiated medical care and called 911; fire crews assisted with extraction while 911 operators coordinated incoming units.

SSVEC Senior Vice President of Operations Nathan Hodges explained the importance of these drills.

It’s very beneficial to see it in action, and look for ways that we can improve and look for ways we are doing great so we can reinforce that.

Why do these trainings matter?

Safety is the foundation of every decision made in the field, and Mayday drills are designed to strengthen that commitment. By practicing high‑risk scenarios in a controlled environment, crews build the muscle memory needed to stay calm, communicate clearly, and act decisively when real situations unfold.

These training exercises not only keep responders safe, but also ensure the community is protected when real emergencies happen. SSVEC Safety Manager Matt Riesgo said:

Safety is the most important piece of what we do here.

Exercises like SSVEC’s Mayday Emergency Response Training Drill highlight how much coordination goes into keeping the public safe during emergencies. For the community, these drills mean faster response times, safer rescue conditions, and teams who know how to work side‑by‑side when every second matters.

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