Diabetic Rescued by Heroic Lineman

James Lopez
San Isabel Electric Association

A typical day in the life of a lineman is always challenging, seldom routine and is by definition hazardous; but on a mid winter day this past December, San Isabel Electric Lineman James Lopez came upon a situation that turn his routine day into one to remember.

While driving his company vehicle on I-25 near Pueblo, Colorado, Lopez came across a car stalled in the middle of the busy interstate.  He pulled off the road, backed up to the stalled vehicle and turned on his strobe light as a warning for other cars.  He cautiously approached the vehicle, asking the driver if something was wrong.  The drive replied that he couldn’t see.  Lopez informed him he was in the middle of the interstate and then told the driver to follow his truck and he would lead him off the road.

The driver tried to follow, but nearly ended up going over in the ditch. Lopez again asked the driver if there was a problem.  The man replied that he was diabetic and having an insulin problem.  Lopez gave him some candy and stayed at the road side with him until he was feeling better.

At this time the driver pulled out on to the interstate and then stopped again in the middle of the road. Lopez, suspecting a more severe insulin problem, dialed 911 for assistance.  At that time, Lopez moved the vehicle off the road and kept the keys.  He also assisted the driver into his work truck and gave his lunch to the driver in an effort to get his blood sugar leveled out.

The driver was shaken up and emotional as he thanked Lopez for possibly saving his life.  When emergency help arrived Lopez knew he was leaving the driver in good hands.

The heroic actions of Lopez not only kept the diabetic driver safe, but also kept many others from being part of a potential massive car pile up.  One would get the feeling that for the lineman who is use to the challenges of the job, it’s all in a days work.