Contractor rescued after medical emergency atop Indiana wind turbine

A 54 year old contractor working inside the hub of a wind turbine near Monticello, Indiana suffered a medical emergency while performing work on equipment. The turbine, roughly 340 to 350 feet tall, is owned by EDP Renewables, and the contractor worked for Kiewit Power Constructors. Emergency services were called and Monticello Fire Department personnel, supported by Wolcott Ambulance Service and Wolcott Fire Department, climbed the turbine's interior ladder and reached the hub after about an hour. Firefighter paramedics began advanced life support treatment at height, working alongside a Kiewit superintendent who was also present, before lowering the man to the ground using a mechanical advantage system. He was then transported to a hospital. His condition afterwards was not disclosed. The rescue required close coordination between the fire department, EDP Renewables and Kiewit staff, who provided technical information about the turbine's systems.

The source attributes the incident to a medical episode suffered by the contractor while working at height inside the turbine hub; no equipment failure or mechanical fault was reported.

1. Wind turbine operators and contractors should maintain clear emergency response protocols and rescue equipment for medical emergencies occurring at height.
2. Coordination between site owners, contractors and local emergency services in advance of work at height can speed up rescue response times.
3. On-site personnel familiar with turbine systems should be available to assist emergency responders unfamiliar with the specific equipment.

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