Snake bites, chemical burns, and electrocution were just some of the scenarios facing teams at the Coal Services Northern Region First Aid Competition held at the Newcastle Mines Rescue Station on Friday May 5.

Eleven teams competed at the event, with the team from South32 Illawarra Metallurgical Coal’s Dendrobium mine named overall winners.

Monique Roberts, Head of Health Operations, explained that the first aid competition is an opportunity for teams to test the skills they learn through first aid training at Mines Rescue.

“The scenarios are designed to reflect situations you might come across at home, in the community or workplace. Teams are given just a basic first aid kit and are judged on how well they work together, how they respond to each situation, as well as their first aid proficiency. The day has a strong practical skills focus, but teams are also tested on their general first aid theory knowledge and CPR.”

A first aider must be able to quickly identify and respond to injuries, while at the same time be aware of further potential hazards. They must also draw on a range of leadership and organisational skills, such as providing direction to bystanders who may be able to assist, as well as taking notes to give to paramedics when they arrive.

South32 Illawarra Metallurgical Coal’s Dendrobium Mine team captain Rob Monkley commended his team for their efforts.

“Competitions are an opportunity to test what we learn and today highlighted how these skills can be applied to domestic situations. We’ve competed at Mines Rescue competitions before, but this took us out of our comfort zone and I am so proud of the team today.

“I’d like to thank Coal Services and in particular the team at Newcastle Mines Rescue for putting on such a fun comp; the volunteers who add to the realism of the scenarios; and to South32 Illawarra Metallurgical Coal for their ongoing support with training and the opportunity to compete,” he added.