The event took place at the Moolarben Mines Rescue Station.

Mines rescue competitions are held in each NSW coal mining district to test and hone the skills of mines rescue brigadesmen and surface emergency responders to ensure they are response-ready in the event of an incident on a mine site.

Brian Kelly, Regional Manager Western Mines Rescue explained the first aid competition was an opportunity for teams to test first aid skills they learn through specialised Coal Services training.

“The scenarios in this competition are designed to reflect everyday situations such as gardening or camping where first aid skills may be required.” he said. 

Teams participated in a series of complex, simulated scenarios with injuries ranging from burns and fractures to amputation and snakebite.

As well as live enactments, participants were also challenged through Coal Services’ market leading virtual reality training capability.

In each simulated scenario, teams were required to work together with limited equipment and little or no external medical assistance.

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Teams were judged on how well they responded to and administered first aid.

The team from Glencore’s Ulan Surface Operations were named overall winners after narrowly defeating last year’s champions and 2018 runners-up from the UIan Underground mine.

Centennial Coal’s Springvale team were awarded the trophy for the theory component.

Winning Captain Colby Leech thanked his team for their efforts in the lead up to the event and on the day.

“All members of the team have competed at mines rescue competitions before, but this was the first time the four of us have competed together in the first aid comp.

“Our teamwork and emergency first aid skills were really put to the test and will help us think about where we need to improve.” 

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