More than 20 mine rescue teams across Ontario will participate in skills competitions May 8-10 in preparation for the provincial event in June.
Mine rescue competitions test mine rescue volunteers on their aptitude in emergency response, ranging from firefighting and first aid to the use of emergency equipment and decision-making under stress.
Overall, competitions serve as intensive and educational learning opportunities for the teams, which ensures performance standards are maintained across the board.
“We’re always finding new ways to challenge the teams,” Shawn Rideout, chief mine rescue officer at Workplace Safety North, said in a news release.
“The scenarios go from extracting casualties trapped in collapses to descending a mine shaft with rope gear. These live-action experiences are the best way to put their knowledge to the test.”
Competitions, which are open to the public, will take place at the following locations and dates:
- Red Lake and Thunder Bay Districts – NorWest Recreation Centre,
Kakabeka Falls, May 9
- Algoma District – Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre, Wawa, May 8-9
- Southern District – Hagersville Memorial Arena, Hagersville, May 9
- Technicians, Best Western Hotel, Brantford, May 8
- Sudbury and Onaping Districts – Dr. Edgar Leclair Arena, Azilda
- Sudbury District, May 8
- Onaping District, May 9
- Timmins and Kirkland Lake Districts – Kirkland Lake Community Complex,
Kirkland Lake- Kirkland Lake, May 8
- Timmins, May 9
Winners from each district will move on to the provincial competition, taking place June 4-7 at Fort Williams Gardens Arena in Thunder Bay.
Headquartered in Sudbury, Ontario Mine Rescue is administered by Workplace Safety North, which provides health and safety services and training for the mining and forestry sectors.
Ontario Mine Rescue celebrated its 90th anniversary in 2019.
