Thirty-seven mine rescue teams from 18 states are in Reno this week for the 2016 Metal and Nonmetal National Mine Rescue Contest sponsored by the U.S Department of Labor’s Mine Safety and Health Administration and the Nevada Mining Association.

Mine rescue contests sharpen the skills and test the knowledge of the teams of miners who stand ready to respond in a mine emergency. Together and individually, they must be ready to face danger and overcome challenges to rescue trapped, injured or missing miners.

The contest includes a field competition, where five-member teams search and account for missing miners following standard mine rescue procedures. Another competition tests the ability of teams of two technicians to ensure that multi-gas and self-contained breathing apparatuses are in proper working condition. In the first-aid competition, teams must be prepared to deal with medical emergency techniques, and the team trainer test consists of a series of written questions.

MSHA will provide the field, written and technical problems, judge the competition events and determine the contest winners.