Mine Rescue Competition Tests Skills, Sept. 24-25

Twenty mine rescue volunteers will put their experience and skills to the test next week at the 28th Nova Scotia Mine Rescue Competition.

The volunteers, in four teams, will enter the Black Diamond Mine on Sept. 24 and 25 to locate and assist an unknown number of injured miners. They've trained together for years to prepare for such an event -- one they hope doesn't happen in real life.

The mine and the accident will be created in the BayPlex Recreation Complex in Glace Bay. Other volunteers will portray miners with injuries that the mine rescue teams must diagnose and treat before they move the casualties.

The Nova Scotia Department of Labour and the Cape Breton Development Corp. host the competition to provide mine rescue teams with the opportunity to demonstrate and improve their skills and expertise in rescue and first-aid techniques.

Mine rescue competitors will represent Canada Salt, Phalen and Prince mines in the annual event. They will be tested for their knowledge in first aid, and in the operation and maintenance of their self-contained breathing apparatus in the gas-testing and bench-task segments of the competition. Other tasks will challenge team members in firefighting, on the Black Diamond Mine obstacle course, and in the smoke room.

The competition takes place from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Sept. 24, and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 25.

• 30