Scout's Toolbox Talks

Hope is not a plan.

If someone is hanging in a harness, you need to act — not guess. Rescue drills train your team to move fast and stay focused.

Why It Matters

In a real fall event, adrenaline kicks in, communication breaks down, and hesitation can cost lives.

Practice builds muscle memory, reduces panic, and helps crews work as a unit.

Drills also expose flaws in your current plan — before they become tragic mistakes.

Key Points

• Conduct mock rescues at least once per quarter — more often on high-risk projects
• Use real gear in real scenarios — same rescue kit, same location, same access challenges
• Don’t rush it — simulate full steps: alerting EMS, securing the scene, deploying gear, and lowering the worker
• Assign an observer to take notes, flag delays, and help adjust the plan afterward
• Log the drill: who participated, what was learned, and what actions will be taken to improve

✅ In rescue, repetition = readiness. Drill it until it’s second nature.

Drill Accountability Checklist

Each drill should include:

• Fall simulation with dummy or worker in harness
• Rescue gear deployment and use
• Clear assignment of roles (Lead, Kit, EMS, etc.)
• EMS call simulation
• Timed response and written debrief

Ask the Crew

• When was the last time you participated in a rescue drill?
• Do you feel confident using our current rescue gear?
• What flaws or slowdowns did we find during the last practice scenario?

‍