Full-Scale Exercise: A Crucial Element in Emergency Response Training

December saw the Ally team in Princeton, BC at the Copper Mountain Mine for a full-scale exercise (FSX) simulating a fatal industrial accident. Over 30 team members from the mine took part in the exercise, which enabled the players to realistically test the mine’s emergency response plan and practice internal operational communication between the incident site and other response nodes.

In addition to reinforcing overall preparedness and operational effectiveness, the FSX brought the mine a step closer to their goal of achieving “Towards Sustainable Mining” certification. It also gave Copper Mountain’s Emergency Response Team and Crisis Management Team the opportunity to work alongside each other in a simulated crisis situation.

The simulated emergency involved a scenario in which an articulated dump truck ran over a passenger vehicle, leading to four injuries and one fatality. In addition to overseeing the air evacuation of the injured, participants had to navigate a simulated large diesel spill at the crash site, as well as fielding eventual media calls. Simulated participation from emergency services was also included, designed to add realism to the incident.

The exercise was well received, and participants agreed that objectives had been met. A number of strengths were identified, including the existing cohesion and cooperation of the team, as well as the process of the Crisis Management Team forming an Emergency Operations Centre in a timely manner. As with any full-scale exercise, the post exercise debrief also enabled participants to identify ways to enhance the mine’s overall state of readiness in the event of a real incident of this nature.

Ally thanks the team at Copper Mountain Mine for the opportunity to contribute to the mine’s overall state of emergency preparedness.