When ‘don’t look down’ is not an option - practice makes perfect!

A Mine Rescue Team exercise is always a site to behold, and a renewed respect is gained for fearsome scenarios our rescuers prepare to face should they be called upon. We caught up with Ron Pickering, Supervisor Mine Rescue, Mount Isa Mines to discuss how these everyday heroes train for Vertical Rescue missions.

“Every year, each Mine Rescue team will take part in 11 full training days. Training days are typically scenario-based and held in different locations across site, both on the surface and underground. This gives team members exposure to the different areas. Generally, three of these exercises focus on vertical rescue scenarios,” says Ron.

This year, Exercise 2, the vertical rescue, was conducted from LE72 Headframe at George Fisher Mine. Working predominately on level 5, the area is approximately 30 metres above ground level.

“The exercise is divided into two tasks. In the first task, team members act as first aiders, and are lowered down to the ground level in order to assist another team member acting as the casualty. The injured person must then be treated on the ground using first aid skills, then secured into a titanium basket stretcher and lifted back up to level 5 by the remaining team members. Specialist vertical rescue equipment and techniques such as a mechanical advantage system is utilised to assist with the hoisting,” says Ron.

“The second task requires the team members stationed on level 5 to secure the casualty into a second soft, roll-up stretcher. The casualty is then lifted up and over the handrail, together with an accompanying first aider, and lowered to the ground.”

“Once on the ground, the soft, roll-up stretcher is disconnected from the main load line and the first aider is lifted back to level 3 to rescue a second casualty, using a special rescue harness called a strop.  Both the first aider and the second casualty are then lifted to level 5 by the team members above, brought over the handrail and lowered back down to ground level,” says Ron.

Vertical rescue is considered a high-risk activity, therefore the exercise must be executed with the utmost care, focus and planning to ensure the safety of team members while preparing them for a real-life response.

As Ron explains, “over the years, the Mine Rescue team has been called on at various times to use vertical rescue techniques to respond to emergency situations both onsite and in the community. The team has assisted with rescuing a hiker who had fallen into a ravine while exploring Lawn Hill National Park. We have also assisted in rescuing a tourist who had fallen while climbing out of the Camooweal Caves.”

Volunteers are currently being recruited for the next rookie training course, scheduled to take place at the end of June 2023. Any employees who are fit, healthy, and are wanting to enrich their career or assist those in need are encouraged to apply. Contact Ron Pickering on +61 7 4744 2525 or Ron Pippenbacher on +61 7 4744 2333 to discuss further.