In replying to the concern that 'Cornish mine photos' was way off topic i would like to propose a new topic. I firmly believe everybody concerned with and involved in underground exploration should be able to comment on the above.
It is important that this is not used as a way to settle old scores but as a way to examine in a constructive manner the organisation of mine rescue in Cornwall. We should look at statutory and voluntary resources and their sustainability, availability and effectiveness and be able to take part in a wide debate, after all we could find ourselves in a situation any time we go down. Believe it or not but i really am trying to be positive here.
Looking forward to your responses.

What a good idea Colin,

Well I am prepared to lend a hand anytime I'm required. You don't forget all that you have learnt over the years. Local knowledge is going to be key to any incident.

As I am now part of a statutory works mine rescue team (like you were), I am sure that if required "we" would if called attend.

I am also prepared to take part in any discussions as to future provision of rescue cover.

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Why just Cornwall??? Maybe a look at all mine and cave rescue would be good and interesting ......

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Why not? If you have concerns do it , but each region may have different issues to address, it's up to you.

Thankyou for starting this thread Colin

I agree the way forward is to examine what is currently being done, analyse and improve upon it and move forward, the past is the past, as not everyone is online who may want to be involved i think it may be worth actually organising a meeting to get people together and actually talk things through. If people want to know the current procedure i can outline what is in place to work upon.

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Yes, sounds like a reasonable starting point. I'm not sure of your identity, if you want to send personal msg. Cheers.

]surely this should be looked at via the BCRC - the MCRO recently performed a brilliant rescue at Snailbeach thanks to the proper links annd training with Gloucester. A lose group of individuals do not have the recognition or support.

I am aware politics are playing a part in this but if the all the Cavers (I use that as a inclusive general term for all underground explorersa) in the County got together in conjunction with the National organistion ?

mike

As an active member of the Belfry, and caver/mine explorer I know that as and when the call comes from the MRO I'll be there to haul somebody outa the shite, I've been on the recieving end and know only too well that when the **** hits the fan its mates that get you out!!

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]surely this should be looked at via the BCRC - the MCRO recently performed a brilliant rescue at Snailbeach thanks to the proper links annd training with Gloucester. A lose group of individuals do not have the recognition or support.

I am aware politics are playing a part in this but if the all the Cavers (I use that as a inclusive general term for all underground explorersa) in the County got together in conjunction with the National organistion ?

mike

I cannot uinderstand why the BCRC just stood buy and watched the situation in Cornwall develop and before any one starts beefing I am not knocking CSRT I think you will find if enough people get together this will not be classed as a loose group of individuals. The time for politics, people's ego's and money making schemes should now be put to one side and all of us stand together before some one dies.

I am with you all the way Colin

As it stands the CSRT are part of the BCRC and are also the point of contact for all emergancy services in the event of any situation where underground rescue may be required.
Should anything happen the 1st point of contact is 999, this will be sent to the Firebrigade and a message will be sent to the relevant contacts in CSRT, who will then send a broadcast text message to anyone who would be relevant be it surface/underground/rope team with a standby notice and a point of contact to inform if available. If the situation requires any searching of underground areas or recovery of a Caver/Mine Explorer/Dog from underground that is not a simple drop down the shaft and haul back up another message will go out to all available to attend with a location, once people have turned up anyone from CSRT will report directly to the person in charge of the site be they firebridge or police and also to the CSRT member in charge or the callout. further directions will be given from there

This may sound long winded but in practice it isnt, it also stop any of the choas and mayhem that would happen if everybody just turned up to every standby message

Most of the time it will be for an animal down a shaft which the Firebrigade have been handling with no issues whatsoever, i dont think there is another Firebrigade in the country that performs as many shaft rescues of dogs than CFRS and also if hauling is required up a shaft having 2 crews of firemen hauling you up a shaft saves alot of time. Should the Firebrigade be busy on a human callout then CSRT may be asked to turn up and perform the rescue with probably a firecar in attendance, a human life will always take priority for them.

IMHO the way forward is to expand on what is already in place. The systems, paperwork, insurance and everything else is already in place and all thats really missing are more people.

Questions please


🙂

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I take the point of an animal rescue from a simple shaft and that all seems very admiral - but what needs to be formed is a serious Cave Rescue Team that would deal with sort of Rescue we had at Snailbeach few weeks ago where explorers are deep in the mine

THE CRO needs to train as a team and have their own gear to deal with that and be supported by the Rescue services who can offer man power and Kit. It would seem the rthe CFRS could host meetings and provide suitable kit dumps and finance for rescue equipment which is often lacking for the smaller teams.

The model is out there it just needs to be copied and adapted


Mike

Mike

CSRT have a very large selection of kit for underground rescue and casualty care, along with the kit people have as individuals and access to lots of kit elsewere so this is not an issue. The kit is all compatable with the FRS and the Coastguard (and police i think) also to allow for joint operations with ease and understanding, What would be nice is to actually get everyone together on a training/play day and see/show what kits is in use and why

jim

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I know from 1st hand experience that some CSRT equipment is not compatable with FRS as they refused to use it, As for the Coast guard you will have to ask Colin

I know from 1st hand experience that some CSRT equipment is not compatable with FRS as they refused to use it, As for the Coast guard you will have to ask Colin

Then this needs to be looked at and resolved, what kit?
afaik the fire brigade do not use any kit that personally i would have a problem with using or understanding how it works, i know there are a few incompatabilities with certain bits of kit, Vac mat and the CFRS confined space stretcher is one that springs to mind but this had been looked at and resolved.

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Hi,

I’ve read your thread with interest and truly believe in the points being made about having a rescue capability for old and new facilities alike.

I work for Mines Rescue Service based at Knottingley the old rescue team for Kellingley the last deep coal mine in the U.K. to close.

Mines Rescue Service has had to adapt over the years and narrowly avoided complete closure a few years back after the HSE mining scheme where by mines paid a % of coal take to maintain a national mines rescue capability was ended.

Mines Rescue Service adapted and thankfully is doing really well servicing private mines and energy production facilities nationally and internationally as well as providing training.

MRSL (the new name) maintains six stations nationally equipment with specialist equipment such as BG4 extended life breathing apparatus, rope access and rescue equipment such as uni drive, specialist cutting equipment and environmental monitoring to name a few bits.

MRSL also has a standby team available to assist emergency services should the worst occur.

Great to read the comments and the co-operation mentioned, just wanted to say hello and contribute.

Best wishes

Jason MRSL