Pulitzer Prize photograph, "Kiss of Life"

[Major Nikon]

Lineman Randall Champion receives mouth-to-mouth resuscitation from apprentice lineman J.D. Thompson after receiving an electrical shock that stopped his heart. He later died in 2002 at 64 yrs old of congestive heart failure. The photo was taken in 1967.

[lamp_shade]

1. The story...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rocco_Morabito

[Major Nikon]

2. Years ago I used to maintain and install equipment on communication towers

It was a union job and the first thing we had to do before we could climb was pass a climbing course which included learning how to rescue a disabled buddy from a tower. Everyone had to successfully rescue a classmate who was unable to assist in the rescue in order to pass the course. Our instructors had the smallest guy in the class (me) rescue the largest guy in the class to demonstrate it could be done. At the time I started, we were using leather waist belts like the ones depicted in the photo. One of my coworkers broke his back and was paralyzed after a fall of only a few feet before his lanyard caught him. Another coworker had to rescue him off the tower. Eventually we transitioned to full body harnesses that were a lot safer.

[Skittles]

3. just a riveting picture

truly a classic

[Major Nikon]

4. I have tremendous respect for linemen

The dangers they face are significant. I learned how to climb wood poles many years ago in climbing school, but thankfully my employer bought a bucket truck shortly afterward and we never had to do it on the job. The risks of death is relatively high and the injuries you can sustain are very nasty.

[Skittles]

5. it's one of those jobs you could not pay me enough

no SIR!!!