From the beginning of the 20th century coal miners have trained in first aid and rescue techniques in the event that they may need to assist their mates. Sadly, due to early primitive mining standards, this happened all too often in Queensland’s coal mines. Following the 1925 Coal Mining Act and the establishment of Queensland Mines Rescue, Collinsville miners received formal training and apparatus to assist in the event of a disaster.
While simple and crude in appearance, the first self-contained breathing apparatus available to rescuers in Collinsville were quite technologically advanced for the era. In conjunction with Davy Flame Safety Lamps and canaries to gauge gas levels, the rescuers were able to use the suit to enter poisonous atmospheres and locate miners.
As the decades progressed, more miners were trained and equipment quickly advanced. The Collinsville Mines Rescue team became a force to be reckoned with across Queensland and Australia, their superior skills evident both at work and through competitions held to test the fortitude of the men.
