News from our businesses and markets
It takes a special type of dedication to jump into -2C water, but it’s that commitment to professionalism that drives the Victor Mine Emergency Response Team.
On December 2, nine members of the team took the plunge into the mine’s icy water filled former quarry as part of ice water rescue training. Over a period of four hours, the ERT members practiced a variety of rescue techniques, taking turns to serve both as rescuer to learn and practice ice rescue skills, and as simulated victim needing rescue.
“We have people all winter working on winter access road that brings us our supplies to site, meaning lots of water crossings where a person or equipment can fall through,” explained Andre Laurin, ERT Coordinator. “We also have Environmental monitors that are out daily taking samples in wet areas as this area for hundreds of square kilometres is essentially a swamp. If they were to break through or fall in the water or even through muskeg, this elite training greatly increases our chances of a quick and effective rescue in difficult conditions.
“Ice water rescue can definitely make a difference in saving lives.”
It was also an opportunity for the team to practice using the unique assortment of ice-rescue gear available at the mine, including dry suits, personal flotation devices, rope throw bags, ropes, inflatable rescue boat, helmets and whistles. They also have a specially designed sleeping bag used to warm people suffering from hypothermia and a snow-ambulance that can be towed behind a snowmobile.
Laurin said ice rescue is just part of the toolbox of skills the mine’s ERT members require.
“We do all types of training covering all facets of emergency response from firefighting to high angle/confined space rescue, to medical response and ice water rescue. Being this far north and isolated as we are, help is a long ways away in case of emergency so we need to depend on ourselves to manage any situations. These volunteers train hard to be able to achieve a level of confidence and professionalism that will keep them and the rest of the team safe and to be able to provide lifesaving skills to people in need in multiple types of situations.”
Another 11 new members of the team also participated recently in a 40-hour long course taught by Ontario Mine Safety, which is a requirement to join the Emergency Response Team. The new team members learned a variety of skills, including basic gear requirements and inspection, firefighting and smoke rescue techniques, knot-tying for rescue situations and ventilation. The members also go through several drills to prepare them for fighting fires. The final stage is a written exam.
The Victor Mine Emergency Response Team is comprised of 35 volunteers from all departments, including seven women.
Victor Mine is a remote fly-in/fly-out mine located in the James Bay Lowlands of Northern Ontario, approximately 90km west of the coastal community of Attawapiskat First Nation. Victor Mine is an open pit mine and Ontario’s first and only diamond mine.