When mining rescue teams from around the world gather in Perth, Australia later this month to compete in the Mine Emergency Response Competition, HazSim will be used to evaluate how well they can assess air-quality in a real-world situation.
“Up to now, HazSim has always been used to better train hazmat teams and first responders on how to use their metres to assess air quality,” says HazSim CEO Phil Ambrose. “It is beyond exciting that the HazSim platform is now being used to evaluate elite performance. When MERC organisers reached out to ask if they could use HazSim in the competition, our answer was ‘absolutely.’ Just like effective firefighter training, to assess the best of the best, the competition evolutions have to be as close to real life as possible. We are honoured MERC recognised HazSim as the platform that can bring that realistic experience to life.”
Developed by firefighters and emergency response professionals, HazSim allows responders to train on atmospheric hazards without the danger of using live agents. Teams use the same meters and protective equipment they rely on in the field, while instructors adjust readings dynamically in real-time. This approach reinforces muscle memory, communication, and situational awareness under stress – skills that are critical in confined spaces, mining operations, and chemical incidents.
The competition will cover eight broad emergency response rescue categories, with hazmat and confined space rescue being among them.
In addition to determining the best mine rescue teams, MERC organisers are aiming to raise $1 million for two mental wellness charities. And, they have a 15-year tradition of fundraising.
“Because a big part of this competition is about raising money for good causes, makes us all that much more excited to participate,” Ambrose says. “HazSim regularly raises money to fight firefighter cancer; this aligns perfectly with what our company stands for.”