Published: February 26, 2025 |

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Mine rescue teams from across the nation flocked to Havana, Florida for the 6th annual Surface Mining Emergency Response Training and Competition. Twelve teams participated in training sessions and a rigorous competition at the Florida Public Safety Institute.

Seven of those teams came from across the Sunshine State and the others came from states including Alabama, West Virginia, and Tennessee. The teams are made up of highly trained miners who respond to accidents and emergencies like cave-ins, fires and gas leaks.

A special set of skills to complete mining rescue missions, according to regional manager of health and safety, Brian Millington. He made the trek from Tennessee to observe on the training grounds. With experience as a miner himself, he said the annual conference is critical for those in the profession.

“We have to have specialized teams that train for mine rescue type emergencies,” Millington said.

“Your typical responders like fire, police and EMS don’t really get into the weeds of all the hazards and stuff we deal with on a mine site, so these teams prepare and train for those emergencies,” Millington added.

Throughout the day on Tuesday, the teams participated in real-life scenarios to help prepare them for real-life emergencies. Some of the simulations featured confined space and rope rescue and first aid, CPR and AED Practice.

The conference is an opportunity for teams to hone in on their skills and perhaps take new skills back to their communities, Millington said.

The conference kicked off Monday and will conclude Thursday, Feb. 27.

Source: WCTV

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