Around 23 teams from 10 countries will compete at the event that will test the emergency preparedness capabilities, teamwork and communication skills of mines rescue brigadesmen.

Wambo won the Australian mines rescue competition in October 2017, securing the right to represent Australia on the international stage. Queensland’s Moranbah North mine, who placed second, will also compete.

The international competition is held every two years and Wambo are seasoned competitors at this level, having competed in Canada in 2016. There, they won the first aid category.

The team will depart for Russia on Thursday ahead of the week-long competition that will take place in Ekaterinburg from September 22.

Travelling with the team will be Craig Bates, Training Officer from NSW Mines Rescue (Mines Rescue). Mines Rescue has played an instrumental role in preparing the team for this event.

‘As well as the usual brigadesmen training that the guys are required to do to retain their active status, we have held a few additional training sessions for the team before they head overseas. These sessions have focused on mass casualty and triage for first aid which will be a big part of the competition,’ explained Mr Bates.

Teams will be assessed on their theoretical knowledge, fire fighting and first aid skills as well as how they respond to simulated mine emergency scenarios.

‘In that respect it will be similar to the challenges faced at our district competitions and the Australian competition. This year at the international comp, many of the scenarios will be held at a metalliferous mine where conditions are different to those we see in a coal mine,’ he said.

David Connell, Regional Manager NSW Mines Rescue, commended the team on their commitment and dedication. 

‘Wambo are an exceptional team. In mines rescue circles they are a team to be reckoned with, having had the experience of working together and claiming numerous mines rescue titles over the years.This takes considerable time and commitment from the brigadesmen and the mine in order to maintain competency in rescue techniques and other specialised tasks – they have to be competent and capable of providing emergency services in the event of a mining emergency or incident. Fortunately, these are few and far between given our industry’s safety focused culture,’ he said.

NSW Mines Rescue General Manager, Matt Fellowes, wished the team well for their journey ahead.

‘The international mines rescue competition is a fantastic opportunity to share knowledge and learn from teams from all over the world. It also enables Mines Rescue to build and maintain relationships with our international community which ultimately leads to better coordination in responding to disasters in order to ensure a safe and effective response to a mine emergency,’ he concluded.