Working Together to Develop Best Practice: Rescue Operations in Confined Settings

Abstract

Introduction:

Major injury incidents in confined settings such as tunnels and underground mineral- and metalliferous mines are rare, but when they do happen, the consequences may be severe with potential for many injured. The incident site is underground and it is difficult for the rescue and emergency medical service to get an overview and reach the injured. Therefore, it is important for the emergency medical service, rescue service, and the company responsible for the underground environment to have a good collaboration.

Aim:

To develop best practices of conducting rescue response from a disaster medicine perspective in tunnels and underground mines through increased education.

Method:

Within an EU-program, the university collaborates with stakeholders such as rescue service, emergency medical service, and two mining companies. Within this project, an explorative case study with participatory research is conducted. This is managed with the help of representatives of the stakeholders, workshops, and through planning for and conducting observations of table-top and full-scale exercises.

Results:

At the first workshop the stakeholders built a timeline presenting their activities from a major incident occurring in an underground mine until the last injured was transported to the hospital. Thereafter, several workshops were conducted to find improvements that could be made regarding collaboration between the organizations. Table-top and full-scale exercises have also revealed further challenges. Within the project, prototypes are being developed and will be presented during the conference.

Discussion:

This project involves stakeholders in the research process, and they, therefore, have a direct impact on the development of best practices of rescue in major underground incidents.