Mine Rescue Day Honors First Responders
The third annual Mine Rescue Day honors the 300 rescue teams that stand ready
Oct. 30 marks the third annual Mine Rescue Day as honored by MSHA. The day is intended to promote the importance of mine rescue and acknowledge the teams of people who have responded to mine emergencies, says a MSHA news release.
"The number of times that mine rescuers have placed their own safety and lives at risk to save others during our mining history is staggering," said Joseph A. Main, assistant secretary of labor for mine safety and health. "These brave men and women undertake some of the most difficult and risky emergency response work, under some of the most arduous and treacherous conditions."
MSHA says there are 300 mine rescue teams that are certified and equipped to perform mine rescues. Those on the team train in first aid, firefighting and emergency communications, and compete in mine rescue competitions.
Oct. 30 was chosen based on the events of Oct. 30, 1911, when Dr. Joseph A. Holmes organized the first national mine rescue demonstration in Pittsburgh.