B717 (Formerly MD-95)
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical
Flight Crew Inflight Shutdown; Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport; General Declared Emergency
Aircraft
Shortly after takeoff an 'Engine VIB HI' alert was displayed. We ran the QRH checklist and monitored the left engine. Shortly after that the left engine failed; I called for the memory item and QRH checklist and continued to fly while the Captain read and complied with the checklist. ATC was notified and an emergency declared. The flight attendants were briefed. Once the approach was strung; we transferred controls and the Captain landed.This was a mechanical failure; so I can not make any suggestions on how to avoid a recurrence; but I do believe that our training more than adequately prepared us for the event.
B717 flight crew shortly after takeoff; experienced a left engine high vibration indication and then failure.  The crew declared an emergency; performed an inflight shutdown; and returned safely to their departure airport.