EMERGENCY RESPONSE A recently released research paper on the impact of mining injuries will assist mine site first responders and paramedics to be more prepared for emergency events.
The project was completed by a multidisciplinary team led by Professor Russell Jones of the Edith Cowan University (Emergency Services Research Group) Dr. Marcus Cattani, together with members from Western Australia’s Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS).
The research project examined a total of 837 injuries over a 6-month period between 1 July and 31 December 2013. 658 serious injuries, including three fatalities, and 179 minor injuries were reported over the period.
The data revealed sprains and strains were the most common injury comprising 69% of injuries followed by fractures 10%, lacerations 6%, crushing injuries 5%, bruises and contusions 4%, and dislocations and displacements 2%. Foreign bodies, punctures, bites, amputations, chemical effects, thermal burns, flash and arc burns and loss of consciousness each recorded less than 1% of the injuries.
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The emergency response mining project findings indicated that the data may be useful for creating an awareness of the type of patients and the nature and cause of injuries from mining operations. It may also assist paramedics to prepare physically and intellectually to enable appropriate diagnosis and treatment.
The data also may be useful for organizations in providing ‘targeted health promotion’ to reduce injury in the industry.
AMSJ readers can access the article at the Australian Journal of Paramedicine.
Project Research team included Russell Jones Ph.D., BEd(Hons), DipEd, BSc is Professor and Lead, Emergency Services Research Group and Director ECU Health Simulation Centre, Marcus Cattani Ph.D. is Senior Lecture ECU, Martyn Cross Ph.D. is Senior Lecturer ECU, Jessica Boylan Ph.D. is Research Officer, Alan Holmes BSc(Hons) is Lead Technical Investigator DMIRS, Colin Boothroyd Ph.D. is General Manager Investigations DMIRS, Joan Mattingley DipWHS is Business Support Officer.
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