MEB’s Richmond team has been hard at work enhancing their emergency response skills with an important rescue training program.

The training focuses on using the MSA Suretyman, a pre-rigged 4:1 haul and descent system, alongside the NAR Rescue Sleeve 2 stretcher. This hands-on training prepares team members to effectively package, lift, and lower a patient with precision and care. So far, the sessions have been held at ground level, with a custom-made 170-pound manikin, crafted by Frank Nemet, MEB’s Regional Safety & Health Manager, serving as the practice “patient.” Each site may utilize slightly different rescue systems based on specific conditions, ensuring that all MEB projects maintain the highest safety standards.

This training, structured into six two-hour classes, covers essential skills such as rescue knots, simple mechanical advantage systems, patient packaging, belaying, taglines, and defining team roles—including the edge man, belay man, tagline handler, safety man, and rigger. The following session will involve a comprehensive review, followed by hands-on testing of knots and rescue scenarios. Upon successfully passing this round, the team will tackle an advanced simulation, placing the manikin in a 30-foot basin for a high-stakes rescue.

By investing in these scenario-based trainings, we’re building a culture of responsibility, teamwork, and vigilance. Each lesson learned and skill practiced brings our teams one step closer to ensuring that every project site is a safe place to work.