Every year, the Province of British Columbia organizes a competition for mine safety and first aid teams from around the province to compete in realistic tasks designed to test their emergency response and rescue abilities. This competition brings together mine rescue teams from across the province to compete in several tasks designed to test their skills in first aid, extrication, fire fighting, rope work and general mine rescue knowledge. Teams compete in either surface, underground or first aid competitions. Read more about Provincial Mine Rescue and First Aid Competition Events.

Under the Health, Safety and Reclamation Code for Mines in B.C., mines are required to provide emergency response capability which led the B.C. mining industry to be a model for the implementation of health and safety practices worldwide.The mining industry in B.C. is one of the safest heavy industries in the province and maintaining that record takes both skill and practice, as demonstrated by the 53rd annual Mine Rescue and First Aid competition.

The B.C. mining industry safety record reflects a dedication to safe mine practices by mine management, unions and workers as well as the influence of ministry staff through inspections, audits and training.

The 55th Annual Provincial Mine Rescue and First Aid Competition, in Fernie, BC, June 4-6th, 2010  brought together provincial mine rescue and first aid teams for an all-day event. The competition was designed to simulate real-life situations and test skills in first aid, extrication, firefighting, rope work and general mine rescue knowledge. Trophies were awarded to the best three-person miner first aid team, as well as for excellence in surface and underground mine rescue.

WINNERS OF THE MINE RESCUE AND FIRST AID COMPETITION

THREE PERSON MINERS' FIRST AID COMPETITION
Three Person Miners’ First Aid Trophy
Greenhills Operations - Teck Coal
Kathy Lofstrom Memorial Trophy (Best Coach for Three Person First Aid)
Greenhills Operations - Teck Coal

OPEN PIT MINE RESCUE
Maurice Boisse Memorial Trophy (Best Bench for Surface Team)
Highland Valley Copper - Teck
HVC Highest Non-Aggregate Points Trophy
Greenhills Operations, Teck Coal
Overall Surface Mine Rescue Trophy
Greenhills Operations, Teck Coal

UNDERGROUND MINE RESCUE
USWA Mine-Mill Trophy (Best Underground Co-ordinator)
Myra Falls Operation, NVI Mining Ltd.
Sullivan Cup (Best First Aid by Underground Team): Myra Falls Operation
NVI Mining Ltd.
Barry Abbott Memorial Trophy (Best Bench for Underground Team)
Quinsam Coal Corporation
Keith Bracewell Memorial Award (Best Obstacle and Recovery)
Myra Falls Operation - NVI Mining Ltd.
Overall Underground Mine Rescue Trophy
Myra Falls Operation, NVI Mining Ltd.