A mine rescue team is composed of 6 people, each with a specific job, just like a regular sports team. The positions are captain, first gas person, map person, second gas person, tail captain, and fresh air base.

Captain

The captain is the team leader in the problem. The team cannot go anywhere that the captain has not already explored. They are responsible for checking for unsafe conditions and installing roof supports. The captain should have a thorough understanding of everything, but should rely on the team to help.

First/Second Gas Person

Both gas people need to know at what concentrations gasses become hazardous and what areas of the mine those gasses occupy. Gasses do not diffuse and occupy the entire environment in mine rescue; they only take up well defined spaces that these team members need to know. They also keep track of ignition sources. Additionally, the first gas person follows the captain everywhere, making sure they’re doing everything they need to be doing, and the second gas person manages the team’s building supplies, such as line curtains and timbers.

Map Person

The map person is responsible for mapping everything the team finds in the problem. They must learn the map legend and appropriate symbols, and they must always be paying attention to small details. A fast, efficient, and accurate map person will really speed up and facilitate your team’s problem solving.

Tail Captain

The tail captain helps regulate team movement and is in constant communication with the fresh air base. They are responsible for reading the map and relaying all the information on it to the fresh air base. They also help the second gas person manage the team’s supplies, and they have the option of making their own map.

Fresh Air Base

The fresh air base remains outside of the mine during a problem and is responsible for communication with the surface and ventilation. They must be in constant contact with the tail captain so that the fresh air base can make a map identical to the one the map person is making in the mine. Additionally, the fresh air base is in charge of ventilation. A good fresh air base will have a ventilation plan ready before the captain asks for it.