Last week we welcomed teams from across the eight MRS training centres to our headquarters in Mansfield. Here, they competed in our first inter-site competition under the MRS Training & Rescue name.
History of The Challenge Cup
Although a new competition with new trophies for grabs, this contest has a history and legacy with the company. Teams competed for the Challenge Cup in rescue competitions starting in 1924. Edinburgh Central Mines Rescue Station claimed the historical cup first, then challenged all comers the following year – with subsequent winners doing the same.
Until 1989, this contest was confined to Mines Rescue teams in Scotland, but in May 1989, it was opened nationwide to all Mines Rescue stations.
Don Valley High School hosted the first national competition on Saturday 13 May 1989, where eight teams participated. It continued annually for many years until the privatisation of the coal industry in the late 1990s.
So it was wonderful to resurrect the competition last week and reestablish it as an annual event!
The Purpose
We designed the day to test the mettle of our rescue squads in a diverse array of scenarios - from confined space rescues to working at height challenges, from prehospital care to overall safety proficiency.
The event served as more than just a competition – it fostered a strong sense of teamwork across all our centres. It also served to test our team's readiness and assess our training methodologies.
At MRS Training and Rescue, learning from these experiences directly contributes to enhancing safety measures. Remember, what we practice in training directly impacts real-life safety outcomes.
The Results
There were prizes and awards, with the overall winner taking home the Challenge Cup. But the thing most at stake was pride.
There were some fantastic exercises completed and thanks go to all who participated, including the organisers and judges.
- Swadlincote - Overall Challenge Cup Winner
- Southampton - Best Confined Space Rescue
- Southampton - Best Working at Height Rescue
- Houghton-le-Spring - Best First Aid Assessment
- Swadlincote - Best Health and Safety Knowledge
Huge congratulations to everyone that took part, and of course to our winners.
