Rescuers are trained at the Mine Rescue Centers. (photo: baoquangninh.com)

Inside a mine tunnel in the Mine Rescue Study Zone, the temperature is between 45 and 50 degrees Celsius and CO2 and CO levels are much higher than normal.

Rescuers are trained in low oxygen and dim light conditions. In an actual emergency, they have to be very careful about every move, such as reinforcing a platform to prevent a further collapse from endangering rescue workers.

Đặng Xuân Thủy, Deputy Head of the Uong Bi coal mine’s rescue unit, said: “The rescuers must be in good health and be familiar with mines, the area, and the type of accident. We have advanced equipment for mine rescues to ensure our safety and that of the miners. We regularly train to handle different types of accidents such as fire, gas explosions, and water entering the mine.”

Pham Van Trien, Deputy Head of the Cam Pha mine’s rescue unit, has been a mine rescuer for 20 years. He said a mine rescuer must be an experienced miner. They must be brave, responsible, and enthusiastic.

“We always keep in mind the motto – professionalism, discipline, solidarity, and humanity. The character of a coal miner is improved by work and by time. With my experience, I can deal with any task in mine or other rescue work assigned by the National Committee for Incident, Disaster Response and Search and Rescue,” Trien said.

Rescuers take physical test at the Mine Rescue Center. (photo: baoquangninh.com)

Hoang Bach Dang, Director of the Mine Rescue Center, said rescuers take a physical test every month within their unit and twice a year at the Center to ensure their physical fitness.

“The Center has training programs of about 500 hours a year for rescuers. The Center’s Mine Rescue Study Zone simulates an accident’s atmosphere and conditions so rescuers can improve their skill and strength, ” said Dang.