A literature review (Engström, Angrén, Björnstig and Saveman, 2017) of mass-casualty incidents in the underground mining industry, with emphasis on factors relevant to the EMS (Emergency Medical Services) identified only a few scientific reports about rescue operations and provided pre-hospital care. Most reports covered information about risk factors for mine incidents, with one exception being the Quecreek mine incident in 2002, in which the rescue operation, also in terms of EMS problems, are addressed (Frank, 2002; Tapia, 2002). Furthermore, in a Swedish exploratory study (Aléx, Joanson, Tageson and Saveman, accepted) addressing preparedness of EMS for underground major rescue operations, about half of the responders stated that they felt unprepared to work under these conditions. Those few trained in handling underground mine incidents, however, reported a higher level of preparedness for carrying out rescue operations than those who were not. Only about one third of the EMS personnel, working in a region with mining industry, had some education or training to increase their understanding of major underground incidents.
Select theme