MEDIA ADVISORY: Rescue Challenge Northern Virginia 2024
Published on April 29, 2024
The 28th Annual Rescue Challenge is being in Northern Virginia, May 6-9, 2024. Twelve teams from across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, and the U.S. military will participate in this four-day, scenario-based training event.
Technical rescue professionals from Arlington County, the City of Alexandria, Fairfax County, Loudoun County, Prince William County, and the U.S. Army's 911th Technical Rescue Engineer Company have partnered with local, public and private entities to develop intense scenarios designed to challenge the participants’ expertise and teamwork.
Teams will face problems involving vehicle and machinery extrication, heavy lifting and moving, high-angle rope rescue, trench rescue, building collapse, confined space rescue, and civil unrest. Scenarios will take place in various environments, from high in the air to underground. Participants will stabilize collapses, lift heavy vehicles, and move and breach large pieces of concrete to accomplish some of their objectives. Other scenarios will require rescuers to navigate the structural members of Woodrow Wilson Bridge and a communications tower, as well as go below grade in trenches and tunnels to perform simulated rescues.
Teams will have eight opportunities throughout the week to expand their rescue skills and experience in difficult, hazardous environments. They will achieve success through communication and collaboration as many of the teams will be made up of two or more jurisdictions. Working together will build camaraderie and understanding as they blend different styles and techniques to complete each scenario. When they return home, they will be better prepared to serve the communities in which they live and work.
Most scenarios will take place at the training facilities of the hosting Norther Virginia fire departments or commercial locations out of public view. The scenario at the Woodrow Wilson Bridge will be partially visible from Jones Point Park in the City of Alexandria.
Media interested in viewing some of Rescue Challenge, please contact Captain Ben O'Bryant (703-731-9350 or bobryant@arlingtonva.us) to ensure a safe and productive experience.
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