Annual United Kingdom & Ireland Mines Rescue Competition

Cheshire, UK

October 2, 2004

Photos and details contributed
by Brian Robinson
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Annual United Kingdom & Ireland Mines Rescue Competition

October the 2nd saw many likeminded souls heading to the Winsford salt mine in Cheshire, UK, for the Annual UK & Ireland Mines Rescue Competition.

This year saw 5 teams competing, from the mines of Tara, Galmoy & Lisheen, all in the Republic of Ireland, Irish Salt Mines from Kilroot in Northern Ireland, and a team from Winsford mine. A team from British Gypsum withdrew, and another team from Cleveland Potash's Boulby mine observed on this occasion.

With the exception of the safety briefing and team draw, which was done in the plush setting of the Cranage Hall Conference Centre on the Friday evening, the whole of the competition, from the breakfast, through all the events, etc. was held completely underground in the cavernous Winsford mine, continually a large producer of salt since 1844.

Essentially 3 events were on the cards, and a total of 7 trophies up for grabs.

A Physical fitness trial, involved the rescue team under oxygen, filling sand bags, transporting them through a 30" access pipe, and emptying them on the other side, for some 25 minutes, a mean task at the best of times.

Second came the actual search and rescue operation, involving the teams setting up a fresh air base, and travelling inby to put out a (real) fire, after selecting the correct extinguisher, then travelling further to rescue 2 casualties, one wearing an oxygen self rescuer and able to walk assisted, the second who had to be transported out assisted with the oxygen resuscitator. This section had 45 minutes alloted.

And last came the non apparatus first aid element, involving the team attending the scene of an underground vehicle accident, with 4 casualties, and very limited first aid equipment, over a ten minute period.

All in all a very busy day for all, from organisers, adjudicators, marshals, team members and observers, but one well worth the effort.

The 7 trophies up for grabs were:
    CategoryWinnerRunner-up
    Mines rescue team 2004TARASALT UNION (Winsford)
    Search and RescueIRISH SALTTARA
    Team SafetyTARAIRISH SALT
    First aidSALT UNION (Winsford)TARA
    FitnessGALMOYIRISH SALT
    Best CaptainDavid Lee, IRISH SALTTARA
    Best Vice CaptainLISHEENGALMOY
Brian Robinson
Mine Rescue Consultant
United Kingdom