B.C. mine rescue teams showcase skills at annual competition
Provincial Mine Rescue and First Aid Competition returns to the Britannia Mine Museum on June 7 and 8. Photo courtesy of Britannia Mine Museum.
The annual 2024 BC Provincial Mine Rescue and First Aid Competition will take place on June 7 and 8 at the Britannia Mine Museum. This year’s event is set to be an exciting two-day competition between talented mine rescue teams from across B.C.
These elite teams push themselves to the limit as they demonstrate their skills in areas like firefighting (with live fire), first aid, rope rescue, practical skills, leadership, teamwork, rescue techniques, and hazardous environment management in simulated underground and surface rescue challenges. Each event is designed to evaluate the competing teams and challenge them to overcome obstacles while carefully managing the health and safety of each other and ‘potentially injured’ mine workers.
Elite rescue teams from across the Province will compete to be the best of the best on June 7 and 8 at the Britannia Mine Museum. Photo courtesy of Britannia Mine Museum.
Teams are made up of individuals from various professional backgrounds, including firefighters, paramedics, and high-angle rescue workers. Each team member brings highly specialized skills and training to the table, with many having contributed their unique skill to B.C. communities in times of need. The event is organized by the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation (EMLI) and the Mining Association of BC (MABC) and brings together spectators from all across the province.
“Mining has sustained generations of British Columbians and is a cornerstone of community development, supporting people and prosperity across our province,” said Michael Goehring, President & CEO, Mining Association of BC. “The annual Mine Rescue and First Aid Competition ensures that British Columbia remains a world leader in mine health and safety practices. Protecting the health and safety of workers and ensuring everyone gets home safe at the end of the day to their families and friends is our industry’s highest priority.”
Challenges include various simulated rescue situations include rope rescue, underground rescue, surface rescue and fire rescue with live fire. Photo courtesy of Britannia Mine Museum.
On Friday, June 7, three teams will compete in underground mine tasks (not available for public viewing), and on Saturday, June 8, six teams will participate in surface rescue tasks in the Historic Mill No.3 Building. The teams compete to be the ‘top team’ and to earn the respect and admiration of their communities and peers. The competition itself provides an opportunity for the public, industry, and province to gauge the capabilities of mine rescue teams working within the industry today. It also demonstrates how B.C. mining companies are working to safeguard the health and well-being of not only mine workers but also the communities where mines operate.
Don’t miss this year’s exciting Provincial Mine Rescue and First Aid Competition at the Britannia Mine Museum on June 7 and 8. Come out to cheer on competing teams and take in the historic Britannia Mine Museum, located at 150 Copper Dr, Britannia Beach. Admission to view the competition as well as the lower site exhibits including the summer exhibit Rock Solid: Safety in Mines is free for all ages.
The Britannia Mine Museum notes there will be no BOOM! show or underground tours unavailable on these days. For more information, including viewing opportunities, visit Britannia Mine Museum online here.