A young lineman saw death up close when a violent electric shock passed through his body while he was working on an electrical transformer in Quebec City on December 7.
Simon Morissette, a 32-year-old young father from Saguenay, who works for Valard Construction, a Hydro-Québec subcontractor, was at work to add additional protection against breakdowns on a transformer on Turcot Street, in the Beauport sector, on this beautiful sunny afternoon.
Photo Agence QMI, Roger Gagnon
Suddenly, 14,000 volts of electricity entered through his left hand before exiting through his left foot which was leaning against the device he was working on.
Simon Morissette was working on this pole when he was electrified.
Photo Agence QMI, Guy Martel
“I felt my whole body stiffen, then I saw my hand turn black. I have never felt worse pain. I lost consciousness and I was sure I was going to die,” he confides.
After being rushed by ambulance, he spent a month in the burn unit of the Quebec University Hospital before being discharged last Thursday.
Photo Agence QMI, Guy Martel
The work accident caused third-degree burns on her left hand, but she should regain full sensation, according to doctors. The 30-year-old, however, lost three toes on his left foot and had to have the remaining two amputated.
“Let’s say that our holiday season fell through,” explains Simon Morissette, alongside his partner, Félina Fortin. This isn’t how we wanted to spend our son’s first Christmas, but it could have been even worse.”
“So far away”
In recent weeks, the young woman has made numerous trips between Saguenay and Quebec to go to the bedside of the one she loves. Having just returned from maternity leave when misfortune struck, she had to put her professional life on hold to juggle the baby, the dog, the house and the hospital.
“What was hardest was that it happened far from home. I didn’t know anything when it happened, I was panicking. I felt so far away. Fortunately, I was able to go see him the next day and that reassured me. While he was in Quebec, I also had to think of Zerik [leur fils, NDLR], on his first Christmas. I didn’t want him to have to do that.”
Photo Agence QMI, Roger Gagnon
On December 24, the Enfant-Jésus Hospital allowed the entire Morissette family to meet in a room reserved for them. “It just goes to show that Christmas didn’t completely go to waste,” notes the man who had a close encounter with death.
The couple wanted to highlight the “exceptional work” of the teams at the CHU de Québec.
“We can never thank them enough. My left arm was as limp as spaghetti, I was sure I was going to lose it, but they saved it. They have worked miracles so that I can maintain my quality of life,” continues Mr. Morissette.
Important reflection
The 32-year-old lineman has been working in a job where he “knows the risks” for more than eight years. This important incident pushes the young father to think seriously about his future.
“It’s difficult and dangerous work. […] Often, we go far from home and this story made me realize that it is important for me to get closer, because I want to enjoy time with my family,” confides the one who spent four days a week at the outside before getting injured.
Now back home, Simon Morissette will undergo long treatments to regain his strength. He will also have to follow a rehabilitation program to learn to walk with the prosthesis that will replace his toes.