The First Responders of First Resort
First responders of all stripes have a few things in common. The hard work they do advances public safety, provides lifesaving care, and helps to make our neighbors and communities safer. You’re almost certainly familiar with first responders like firemen, paramedics and police officers. Less thought of, but no less important are natural gas utility service workers like Tim MacDonald, a gas meter technician at NorthWestern Energy who was recently recognized for saving a life.
In January of this year, MacDonald was headed home from work in his company truck in his hometown of Huron, South Dakota. As he drove through downtown, he noticed 82-year-old George Piper, walking alongside the road suddenly collapse, hitting the ground face-first. MacDonald immediately sprang into action, turning on his flashers and truck’s yellow beacon and leaping out to check on Piper. Realizing he wasn’t coherent, MacDonald called 911 and gave their location. While waiting for the ambulance to arrive, MacDonald bundled him up with a spare coat and sweatshirt from his truck to get his head off the ice and keep him warm (Huron, South Dakota averages January low temperatures of 6 degrees Fahrenheit.)
Piper had suffered a potentially lethal stroke. Fortunately, ensuring he received immediate medical attention allowed the worst to be averted.
Pictured: Tim MacDonald (left), George Piper, and Tricia Davis
MacDonald would later learn that Piper’s niece was his coworker Tricia Davis, manager of customer interactions at NorthWestern Energy. He was later recognized for his heroic actions with the MEA Energy Association Life Sustaining Award. George Piper made it a point to attend the ceremony.
“Tim’s an example of someone who looks out for people in the community,” said Piper. “It’s just part of humanity. And well, NorthWestern has to be grateful that they have employees like that.”
MacDonald’s actions demonstrated the incredible role that natural gas utility workers play as the frequent first responders on the scene.
“Being a first responder is crucial to what we do,” said MacDonald. “Being that first responder, you have to be calm, cool and collected in your thought process, understand what’s going on, and understand that every situation is different and how critical it may be. We have to be prepared to act appropriately in our community.”