Bevill State Celebrates Alabama's Victory at 2024 MSHA National Mine Rescue, First Aid, Bench, Technician Team, and Pre-Shift Competition
August 28, 2024
Bevill State Community College is proud to announce the outstanding achievement of the State of Alabama Mine Rescue First Aid Team at the 2024 MSHA National Mine Rescue, First Aid, Bench, Technician Team, and Pre-Shift Competition held in Lexington, Kentucky. The team, consisting of Matt Miller (Captain), Tim Bailey, Eric Edge, and trainer Dale Johnson, secured the First Aid Championship title, placing 1st out of 58 competing teams from across the nation.
This exceptional team trains at Bevill State Community College’s Sumiton Campus, utilizing the underground mining simulation that is part of the College’s renowned Mining Technology Program. This state-of-the-art facility provides the team with the opportunity to hone their skills in a realistic mining environment, ensuring they are well-prepared for any emergency situation.
The team’s success at the national level is a continuation of their remarkable performance, as they also secured first place at the Alabama state competition just before heading to Lexington. This back-to-back victory highlights their dedication, skill, and unwavering commitment to excellence.
The MSHA National Competition is a prestigious biennial event that brings together the best mine rescue and first aid teams in the United States. This event serves as a vital platform for enhancing the skills, readiness, and preparedness of mine rescue teams, ensuring they are equipped to handle emergencies effectively and efficiently. The competition includes several key components, such as Mine Rescue, First Aid, Bench, Technician Team, and Pre-Shift competitions, all designed to simulate real-life mine disasters and test teams' abilities to respond to various emergencies.
In the First Aid portion of the competition, teams are challenged with realistic scenarios that require them to administer CPR, treat injuries, and manage medical crises in high-pressure environments. The State of Alabama Mine Rescue First Aid Team's consistent excellence in these competitions is evident, as they have achieved 1st place in the last three consecutive MSHA National Competitions. Over the last six competitions, the team has earned four 1st place wins and two 2nd place finishes.
Dr. Joel Hagood, President of Bevill State Community College, expressed his pride in the team's remarkable accomplishments. "We are incredibly proud of the State of Alabama Mine Rescue First Aid Team's dedication and skill, which have led them to such outstanding success. Their achievements not only bring honor to our state but also underscore the importance of safety and preparedness in the mining industry. This competition is a testament to their commitment to excellence, and we are honored to support them in their endeavors."
The MSHA National Mine Rescue, First Aid, Bench, Technician Team, and Pre-Shift Competition goes beyond recognition and awards. It plays a crucial role in promoting safety within the mining industry by encouraging continuous improvement, teamwork, and vigilance. The rigorous scenarios and challenges help elevate safety standards, ensuring that mine rescue teams are always prepared to protect lives in the most demanding situations.
Bevill State Community College congratulates the State of Alabama Mine Rescue First Aid Team on their extraordinary achievement and looks forward to their continued success in future competitions.
About Bevill State Community College (BSCC):
Bevill State Community College is a public, two-year, "open door" institution committed to providing comprehensive education and support services for people in West Central Alabama and beyond. As a member of the Alabama Community College System, Bevill State serves over one-quarter million people across a seven-county area through its four main campuses and one instructional site. This expansive service area covers more than 4,600 square miles, from the Birmingham city limits to the Mississippi state line. Please visit our website at www.bscc.edu.
For more information contact Tana Collins-Allred at 800.648.3271 ext. 5742 or by email at tana.collins@bscc.edu. Please visit our website at www.bscc.edu.