On March 11, 2025, MPW Equipment Technician Mike Edge suffered a massive heart attack while working at a customer power plant in West Virginia. Thanks to the quick actions and training of both MPW and the customer’s employees, Edge is alive today—and grateful.
Edge collapsed near a catwalk and was discovered unresponsive by coworkers Crew Leader Marshall Taylor and Technician Chris Qualls. They contacted MPW Supervisor Paul Marcum and a customer equipment operator, who began immediately performing CPR until trained responders arrived with an AED.
The device delivered several life-saving shocks. Edge had no pulse, had turned blue, and was close to death—but after continued CPR and emergency medical assistance, he was stabilized enough to be life-flighted to a Huntington hospital.
“I really appreciate what they did. I’m just glad somebody was with me,” Edge said during an appreciation luncheon that took place at the customer site March 26, where MPW and customer plant employees gathered to honor Edge and thank the first responders who helped save his life.
More than a dozen individuals were recognized for their courage and quick thinking. The event highlighted not only their heroism but also the importance of emergency preparedness and inter-company coordination.
The customer plant manager explained that his plant’s first responders train quarterly, often running mock emergencies. Following this incident, the customer is investing in automated CPR equipment and expanding its AED upgrades across facilities.
MPW has also responded by reviewing emergency contact procedures and conducting safety stand-downs across its Cheshire branch. A key takeaway: making sure every employee knows who to contact—and how—in an emergency. “You don’t want to dwell on what went wrong. You take the corrective actions and learn how to better protect everyone moving forward,” said MPW Regional Manager Ryan “Peach” Venham.
This near tragedy has become a catalyst for stronger collaboration, improved safety awareness, and a reminder that preparedness saves lives. The incident has already sparked new conversations around job hazard assessments, solo work policies, and real-time communication protocols. It’s a sobering but powerful example of why safety isn’t just a procedure—it’s a commitment.