Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative Launches 360-Degree Video to Teach People How to Stay Safe in a Vehicle-Power Pole Crash

Videos Utilize Golden Shovel Agency’s PlaceVR Technology to Fill a Gap and Save Lives

(Baker City, Oregon – April 06, 2020) The Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative is furthering their public safety training with the launch of a training video in 360-degree format. When accessed with virtual reality goggles, viewers are able to experience what it’s like to be on the scene of a car-power pole crash, and learn what to do to stay safe, whether they’re involved in the accident or the first to come on the scene.

The footage was shot on location in northeastern Oregon by Greg Kolbjornson, Golden Shovel Agency’s video producer. While the video was in production, Greg would find the Cooperative’s safety message hitting close to home.

“The area where my mom lives in Wisconsin had a big storm last summer and a woman was killed when she was electrocuted after stepping out of her car,” said Greg.“I know from working on this project that this death could have been avoided had the woman known what to do when there are downed power lines in the area.”

Watching the 360-degree video with the use of virtual reality goggles has a powerful effect on memory and recall because the viewer’s brain reacts as though they’re actually in the place where the action is happening. As they look up or down, or in any direction around their bodies, the viewer becomes part of the message and the result is that what is being taught is better understood and remembered.

“Remembering what you learn is absolutely critical if you’re going to use what you learn, and virtual reality can give people up to 75% more retention of information than traditional media formats,” said Aaron Brossoit, CEO of Golden Shovel Agency.

The cooperative collaborated with Golden Shovel Agency to create a series of safety videos and a series of economic development videos utilizing PlaceVR technology. Golden Shovel is a pioneer in the use of 360-degree and virtual reality to help communities deliver messages that help them meet goals for economic development, workforce attraction, tourism, and training. 

“Safety is one of our core values and we already do a lot to teach kids about the hazards of downed power lines. Now that we’re using immersive technology to deliver our message, we’ll not only be able to reach more people, but viewers, whether they’re kids or adults, will have better recall of the safety guidelines which is what will ultimately save lives,” said Lea Gettle, Manager of Administration and Strategic Services for the electric cooperative.

Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative partnered with Federated Rural Electric Insurance, the Oregon Rural Electric Cooperative Association, and the Cooperative Finance Corporation to make this project possible. The video was shot on location in Oregon with the help of the Baker City Fire Department, Baker County Sheriff’s office and Life Flight.

The video is available to view online here -

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s0Vl5xkDQVo

Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/405211560/30a93346d5

OREGON TRAIL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE (OTEC) is a not-for-profit, member-owned electric cooperative that serves over 31,000 homes and businesses in four counties in Eastern Oregon. Headquartered in Baker City, OTEC has district offices in Burns, John Day and La Grande. Learn more at https://otec.coop/

GOLDEN SHOVEL AGENCY is a Minnesota-based full-service economic development firm specializing in workforce attraction for economic and community development. ?The Economic Gateway Web system includes an expandable and on-demand content management system (CMS) and a robust social media implementation strategy. Learn how you can bring VR technology to your organization at: http://www.goldenshovelagency.com 

FEDERATED RURAL ELECTRIC INSURANCE is committed to working with our Members to provide superior, value-oriented insurance programs with a focus on Safety, Service and Stability. Learn more at https://www.federatedrural.com/

OREGON RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE ASSOCIATION (ORECA) represents and promotes the interests of electric cooperatives and their members. Learn more at https://www.oreca.org/

COOPERATIVE FINANCE CORPORATION (CFC) is created and owned by America’s electric cooperative network, CFC—a nonprofit finance cooperative which provides unparalleled industry expertise, flexibility and responsiveness to serve the needs of almost 1,000 electric cooperative member-owners across 49 states. Learn more at https://www.nrucfc.coop/