The Manitoba Provincial Mine Rescue Competition held on May 26-27, 2023, in Thompson, was a testament to the dedication and preparedness of mine rescue teams. Teams from various mine sites gathered to showcase their skills and readiness in responding to emergency scenarios underground.
Sean McKenzie, the Rescue Team Captain, emphasized the intense training that preceded the competition. The extensive requirements include first level first aid, and even some mechanical engineering.
The commitment to training was evident in the winnings of the competition; “We go to a Provincial competition with all the other Mine Sites in which we’ve been training the last few weeks before the competition coming up,” McKenzie stated
Kelly Edwards, a Mine Rescue Advisor with 28 years of experience, highlighted the rigorous preparation that the teams undergo. “For competition, what happens is Kelly and other organizers will set up an emergency scenario underground, and we call like it’s a real emergency and we respond and go underground and perform whatever work is needed to be done,” explained McKenzie. The teams were judged based on their adherence to procedures and their ability to achieve the desired outcomes in the scenarios.
Last year’s competition saw Team Vale clinching first place, followed closely by the Manitoba Mutual Aid Team. Sean McKenzie received the Technician’s Award, recognizing his outstanding contribution to the competition. This year, Marc Scaddan led his team to victory, while Sean once again received the Technician’s Award, showcasing his skill focus and priorities for fellow workers.
The commitment to realism and preparedness was evident in the elaborate scenarios set up for the competition. Kelly Edwards emphasized the importance of realistic training, stating, “We have a very safe mine, so there’s really no legitimate callouts, so our practice needs to be as real as possible.” The scenarios involved actors portraying injured individuals covered in realistic special effects makeup, as well as simulated emergencies such as fires, impact injuries, and suspended individuals.
The competition also highlighted the comprehensive training involved, including separate first aid and underground scenario training, as well as surface scenario training. A demonstration to this scale included tedious planning, giving vivid scripted dialogue and precise reactions for the actors.
Emphasizing the high stress involved with the job, Sean explained that though it might be a lot to take in he remembered what it was like starting out. “When you start out, your not leading anybody, your more doing what your told. Your in that position for years until you graduate to becoming a captain, but once you become a captain your ready for it! Your not overwhelmed because it’s not over your head because it’s taken years for you to get there”
Looking ahead, next year’s Provincial Mine Rescue Competition is predicted to be held at Vale in Thompson, underscoring the ongoing commitment of mine rescue teams to maintaining a high level of readiness and safety preparedness.
The Manitoba Provincial Mine Rescue Competition serves as a reminder of the vital role played by mine rescue teams in ensuring the safety and well-being of mining communities, and their unwavering dedication to honing their skills and preparedness for any potential emergencies.
~Matthias J. Johnson is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter who works out of the Thompson Citizen. The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada.
