Mineral Exploration is the official publication of the Association of Mineral Exploration British Columbia.
Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/1085108
16 Mineral Exploration | amebc.ca PHOTOS: VELOUR PRODUCTIONSAME; COURTESY PAYCORE DRILLING ENVIRONMENT HEALTH & SAFETY mine. "Exploration is project-based and of much shorter duration, so the work is less routine," says Mercer. And because exploration often takes place in remote sites, emergency response planning needs to ensure that safety systems are in place because response to an accident will be slower than in a more accessible location. "So you have a huge incentive to stop accidents happening in the first place," Mercer says. Brennan Dyck, general manager of Paycore Drilling, says winning the David Barr came as a great surprise. The helicopter pilot rescue took place while the company was drilling in the Cariboo region. "I watched the aircraft during its descent," says Dyck. "It was clear the impact was very hard and there would be severe injuries. We were very fortunate the crash site was close to camp." The Paycore crew on the ground immediately called in help by satellite phone. "The B.C. Ambulance Service dispatched RCMP and ambulance by road, along with a helicopter air ambulance," Dyck says. "As the call was being placed, our workers headed to the crash site. Our on-site first aid attendant kitted up and drove the emergency transport vehicle as close as she could to the crash site." The helicopter had crashed in a rocky creek draw with dense brush and forest growth. "The workers used saws and axes to cut a trail to the helicopter, which was still running," says Dyck. "They found the pilot harnessed into what was left of the helicopter. He was barely conscious and incoherent. "With the pilot in critical condition, but out of the immediate danger... we assessed the helicopter on its side in the creek. After a couple of attempts we managed to get the engine shut down," he says. "The air ambulance was first on site and the paramedics brought a stretcher to where the pilot was located. Our crews helped get the pilot through the bush to the waiting air ambulance." Dyck says the accident and subsequent rescue showed the critical importance of training. "A serious accident like this one is a reminder that they can happen at any time," he says. "Companies should be vigilant at all times. It is easy to become complacent in the daily tasks of your job, regardless of your position or role." Drill move-in across the Baker Mine. Brennan Dyck and Chad Smith of Paycore Drilling accepting the David Barr Award.