TREC apprentice lineman Hinch honored with Life Saver Award

Posted 10/20/21

Nick Hinch, an apprentice lineman from Three Rivers Electric Cooperative, was honored Oct. 7 by the Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives (AMEC) for his role in saving the life of a fellow …

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TREC apprentice lineman Hinch honored with Life Saver Award

Posted

Nick Hinch, an apprentice lineman from Three Rivers Electric Cooperative, was honored Oct. 7 by the Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives (AMEC) for his role in saving the life of a fellow employee in 2021. 

AMEC’s Life Saver Award was presented to Hinch during the annual meeting AMEC.

Three Rivers Electric Cooperative has a tradition that its linemen gather for breakfast before the annual meeting. Hinch was part of the group that came together for the 2021 breakfast on Aug. 6. While they were enjoying the food and camaraderie at a local diner, apprentice lineman Quentin Starke found himself unable to breathe. 

He was choking on a piece of food, according to the electric cooperative.

After realizing Starke was in trouble, Hinch took action and jumped up to help him. Starke was unable to breathe, cough or talk. Hinch started doing the Heimlich maneuver. After several attempts Starke cleared the obstruction and was able to breathe again. The entire ordeal lasted a few minutes and occurred without much fanfare or notoriety.

Both of them said they were grateful for the training they received which allowed Hinch to save Starke’s life.

“It is a blessing to be able to share this story and get Nick the attention he deserves,” said Caleb Jones, CEO of the association. “It takes courage to step forward and take charge when faced with these life-threatening situations, but that is exactly what Nick did, without hesitation.”

Because of the nature of the work they do, electric cooperative employees receive extensive safety training. They hope they never need these skills but are prepared to put their training to work whether it is helping an injured employee or a member of the public. The Life Saver Award was created to recognize those who take action to save a life.