Mine rescue is tricky operation

A mine rescue can be a race against the clock with a number of factors that can slow things to a crawl.

Rescuers say when venturing into a mine that's collapsed, they must put safety first — even when miners' lives are hanging in the balance.

"Time is of the essence, but No. 1 you've got to be safe," said Buddy Webb, the president of the U.S. Mine Rescue Association. "No. 2, it depends on the conditions."

Rescuers are venturing into areas where there may be carbon monoxide and other gases, falling rock and other hazards.

First, mine rescuers will develop plans to rescue their trapped colleagues. Those plans must be signed off by federal Mine, Safety and Health Administration officials.

"We do what we call systematic exploration," Webb said Monday. "We explore everything. That prevents us from getting in trouble. They probably have a lot of boulders and stuff they have to move."

Each mine rescue team is typically made up of five members, Webb said.

"The captain is on the front. You have a guy that's experienced and takes gas readings. You have a map man who maps everything they find. You have a first-aid person and a co-captain who maintains communication with the fresh air base," he said.

The U.S. Mine Rescue Association said rescuers wear standard equipment like electric cap lamps and breathing apparatus, as well as maps; methane, carbon monoxide and oxygen detectors; and a thermometer.

Depending on the gas conditions inside the mine, the rescue team can either drive in — or they may have to walk. If gases are high in the Crandall Canyon Mine, it could mean a 4 1/2-mile hike to where the trapped miners are.

Moving into those mines, rescuers may find collapsed roofs and raised floors in the area affected. Once the miners are found, rescuers must take precautions not to trigger another collapse while trying to free the men.

"They'll evaluate the situation, know what the gases are and drive in and free these guys," Webb said.

Every mine is required to have at least two mine-rescue teams accessible. At Crandall Canyon Mine, they are using their own team and several others from neighboring mines. More resources are also being devoted to the search effort.

Their mine-rescue capabilities are also evaluated by MSHA every few months. Webb said based on what he has been told of the situation, it could be an extensive operation to free the trapped miners.

"We just have to keep our hopes up and depend on the Lord," he said.

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E-mail: bwinslow@desnews.com