Recently, we had the privilege of attending the RWE ResQ+ Challenge at East Coast College in Lowestoft on November 19 and 20, 2024. This event highlighted innovation and excellence in rescue and safety, with a unique focus on wind turbine maintenance and installation technicians. The challenge brought together skilled professionals from around the world to showcase how they perform under high-pressure, lifelike conditions.
As a global leader in renewables, RWE is driving innovation, and it was clear at the ResQ+ Challenge that this extends to their training methods for ensuring staff safety across international sites. The technicians involved were largely experts trained to install and maintain complex wind turbines. This year, the challenge grew significantly, accommodating three additional teams, requiring organisers to expand the event structure to include six unique scenarios across two days. This effort, supported by as Belay Rope Access and Gibb First Aid and Rescue (formerly TRS), ensured the event’s smooth execution and success.
Ross Atack, Lead Blade Technician at RWE, highlighted the significance of this event:
“This event marked RWE’s second inter-site emergency response exercise, providing a valuable platform for like-minded technicians across the entire offshore fleet to connect and collaborate. The focus on enhancing efficiency and accuracy in critical rescue operations fostered a strong sense of teamwork and shared learning. It was inspiring to see the collective dedication to improving safety practices and rescue techniques.”
The Event Setup and Execution
The ResQ+ Challenge was meticulously organised to provide participants with a highly realistic and immersive experience. Each of the six scenarios was designed to replicate the diverse challenges faced by wind turbine technicians in real-world emergencies. These scenarios tested participants’ technical skills, teamwork, and decision-making under pressure.
The event featured:
- Scenario-based Training Areas: Spread across the East Coast College campus, each area was equipped with specialist equipment and designed to mimic specific rescue environments, including confined spaces, working at height, and water rescue.
- Collaboration with Experts: Teams from RWE, Belay Rope Access and Gibb First Aid and Rescue provided expertise and operational support. Their involvement ensured the scenarios adhered to industry best practices while pushing participants to perform at their best.
- Apprenticeship Team Inclusion: A notable addition this year was the participation of a team from RWE’s apprenticeship scheme. This group brought fresh enthusiasm to the event, showcasing their training and potential for future roles in the industry.
This thoughtful planning and execution set the stage for a challenging and rewarding competition, allowing participants to engage deeply with the scenarios and learn from the experience.
The Importance of Ruth Lee Manikins in Realistic Scenarios
Ruth Lee manikins played a central role in every emergency response scenario presented to the teams. From first aid simulations featuring the Trauma Rescue Manikins with realistic FX injuries to manikins of varying weights (60-90kg) used for rescue and casualty extraction in Wind Turbine Generator scenarios, our products brought unmatched realism to the event.
A standout highlight was the use of the Advanced Water Rescue Manikin (AWRM) in the environmental tank scenario. As Shaun Cutler, Platform Specialist at RWE and one of the event organisers, shared:
“The advanced water rescue manikin was a standout in the environmental tank scenario. Its lifelike attributes, such as bobbing naturally in the water, added a high degree of realism. Rescuers were able to perform CPR seamlessly after extracting the manikin from the water, which highlighted its effectiveness in simulating real-life emergencies.”
These lifelike features allowed teams to hone their skills in realistic conditions, pushing the boundaries of what training can achieve.
Showcasing Innovation with Cutting-Edge Tools
Beyond our manikins, we were thrilled to introduce attendees to some of our most advanced training tools:
The Fast Rescue Device (FReD) made a strong impression during the environmental tank scenario. Lifeguards acting as safety overwatch used FReD to perform rescues without entering the water themselves, reducing risk significantly. Shaun Cutler observed:
“Although I didn’t get the chance to use it personally, I observed it in action and was thoroughly impressed. It eliminates the need for rescuers to enter the water to save a conscious casualty, significantly reducing risk.”
Making its debut at the event, the RL360 Mixed Reality Training Tool captured the imagination of participants and organisers alike. Attendees had the opportunity to experience this groundbreaking blend of virtual and physical rescue scenarios in a dedicated demo space. As Shaun Cutler noted:
“The RL360 Mixed Reality training goggles were another remarkable addition. I joined two teams during their sessions and was blown away by the immersive and realistic training experience. This technology is undoubtedly the future of training. It allows individuals to maintain and refine their first aid skills without requiring an instructor to be present for every session—an incredibly efficient and scalable approach.”
Insights from Industry Experts
The competition was enriched by the expertise of judges such as Iain Tindall, Director of Belay Rope Access, who evaluated participants’ working-at-height and rescue techniques. Reflecting on the event, Iain said:
“This was such a fantastic event; the organisers did an amazing job. The scenarios tested not just technical skills but teamwork, planning, and effective use of equipment. These lessons are invaluable for improving our own training and informing industry standards.”
Belay Rope Access has been a valued customer of Ruth Lee since 2013, incorporating our manikins into their GWO and IRATA-accredited training programs. Iain shared a fond memory:
“I remember coming to the factory to collect my first two manikins. They’d been left outside, and I was instructed to knock on Ruth’s door so she knew I wasn’t stealing them!”
Recognising Excellence
At the end of the two-day challenge, several standout participants were honoured for their exceptional contributions and performance during the event. These awards celebrated not only technical expertise but also qualities such as composure under pressure, teamwork, and leadership. The award winners were:
- Lifesaver Award – Awarded to Nathan Jones of Gwynt y Môr offshore wind farm for his remarkable ability to administer first aid with skill and calmness during a critical moment of the event.
- Hero Award – Presented to John Groves of the Major Corrective Campaigns Team for his exemplary rescue techniques and unwavering expertise across six demanding emergency response scenarios.
- Top Student Award – Given to Matilda Urie of Rampion offshore wind farm for her excellence across all event disciplines, her boundless enthusiasm in background activities, and her leadership in guiding her team to a high standard of performance.
- Best Performing Team Award – Awarded to Gwynt y Môr offshore wind farm for their exceptional teamwork, resilience under pressure, and consistent excellence in first aid and rescue operations throughout the event.
It was truly inspiring for us to see these participants in action, showcasing not only their technical skills but also their commitment to safety, teamwork, and resilience. Witnessing their outstanding performances was a testament to the dedication and expertise of those who continue to raise the bar in rescue training.
Social Media Highlights
The RESQ+ Challenge left a lasting impression on participants, with many taking to LinkedIn to share their incredible experiences. From pushing their skills to the limit in high-pressure scenarios to celebrating teamwork and innovation in rescue training, attendees had plenty of praise for the event. Here’s what they had to say!
Looking to the Future
Reflecting on the event, Shaun Cutler emphasised its success:
“In my personal opinion, the event was a tremendous success. A particular highlight was the introduction of a team from our apprenticeship scheme. Their enthusiasm and performance were truly inspiring.”
From Ruth Lee’s perspective, the ResQ+ Challenge offered an invaluable opportunity to engage with end users, showcase our products, and gain feedback to drive future innovations. Stuart Cheetham, UK Business Development Manager at Ruth Lee, shared:
“The RL360 provides a world-first look at blending virtual and physical training environments. This tool has the potential to revolutionize rescue training. Events like this are crucial for understanding the challenges faced by rescue professionals and ensuring we continue to lead in innovation.”
We send our congratulations to RWE for hosting such a dynamic and inspiring event and look forward to supporting future ResQ+ Challenges. If you’re organising a similar event and would like Ruth Lee to contribute, we’d love to hear from you! Whether it’s showcasing our cutting-edge tools like the RL360 or providing our manikins for training scenarios, we’re always eager to collaborate. Get in touch with Stuart at stuart.cheetham@ruthlee.co.uk to explore how we can help make your event a success.
