IBEW Life Saving Awards

The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers issued Life Saving Awards to Brian Hale, Richard Welch, Aaron Truhlar, Nicholas Urban, Osvaldo Martinez. Read their heroic stories below.

Pictured Below: President Chris Riser and VP Ben Busser present the IBEW Life Savings awards to Brian Hale, Richard Welch, Nick Urban, and Osvaldo Martinez.

On October 10th, 2024, IBEW Local 15 Radiation Protection (RP) technicians were conducting their morning pre-job briefs in the Radiation Protection Shop at Braidwood Generating Station when they received an urgent call from the Main Control Room regarding a medical emergency.

RP technicians Brian Hale, Richard Welch, Aaron Truhlar, Nicholas Urban, and Osvaldo Martinez immediately responded to the call. A Boilermaker contract worker, who had been sitting in the Allied shop, appeared to be having a seizure.

Brian Hale and Osvaldo Martinez quickly gathered information from bystanders and assessed the individual’s vitals, while Richard Welch and Nicholas Urban assisted the on-site nurse and called for off-site medical support. Aaron Truhlar retrieved and prepared a stretcher for use.

When the nurse arrived, Brian Hale, Richard Welch, and Osvaldo Martinez carefully laid the individual on his back. Given the severity of his condition, the team decided to attach the AED. The AED did not advise a shock but instructed the team to begin CPR. Without hesitation, Brian Hale began chest compressions.

Thanks to the immediate and coordinated actions of the team, the individual responded well to the CPR and became conscious. Paramedics arrived soon after and transported the individual to the hospital, where he made a full recovery.

This successful outcome highlights the dedication and quick thinking of IBEW Local 15's Radiation Protection team, whose prompt and decisive response undoubtedly saved a life.