The Saskatchewan Mining Association’s Emergency Response Mine Rescue Skills Competition returned in person for the first time in two years to Prairieland Park on Saturday.
15 teams from across the province participated in seven simulations to demonstrate their emergency response skills.
“We have practical skills, surface issues, first aid, and then we have two big mine issues,” said competition steward James Ferstl.
Throughout the day, the teams of six to eight people extinguished fires and were tested against simulations of situations that could occur in real life.
Families also came from across the province to cheer on their favorite team members and have the opportunity to see them at work.
“The kids understand that mom and dad are trained on the job to do mining work and they don’t necessarily understand what that means,” he said.
For Kaylee Hayko, this is her first competition with the Esterhazy K3, a potash mining team with Mosaic.
“We’re competing today, but in a real situation we could be there for each other and it’s super cool to meet the other teams,” Hayko said.
Hayko says she is also excited to meet the other women who are part of the other mine rescue teams at the competition.
“I learned so many things and honestly learning those skills is super useful in real life, not just for competition.”
Winning teams will be honored with medals at a dinner at TCU Place on Saturday night.
