Take the first step in advancing your career with Mines Rescue
Our brigadesmen need to be fit and healthy. Any new candidates must be aware from the outset of the personal commitments required, not only throughout the recruitment process, but throughout a career as a brigadesman.
We recommend you read through the information on this website to gain an understanding of:
- an overview on the recruitment process
- medical and functional assessment details and information
- information to help improve health and fitness
- what to expect during the Mines Rescue 10-day training.
Alternatively, feel free to contact your local Mines Rescue station directly for more information.
How to apply
If you are interested in becoming a brigadesmen, please see your site Rescue Coordinator to complete a self-assessment and talk about gaining site nomination.
A current first aid certificate is required to become a brigadesman. Once inducted, ongoing first aid training is provided at regular brigadesmen training sessions.
Medical and functional assessments
A major requirement in becoming a brigadesman is being physically fit. You will be required to pass a medical assessment as well as a functional assessment. Both assessments are managed by CS Health and have been developed based on meeting the standard physical requirements of professional Australian rescue organisations.
- Medical Assessment
- Functional Capacity Evaluation flyer
- Functional Capacity Evaluation Training Guidelines
(includes guide to training and information about diet and performance)
Mines Rescue 10-day brigadesmen training – what to expect:
The 10 day training is no walk in the park.
As well as being introduced to the theory components of this new role, you will also participate in several physically demanding and challenging tasks.
For many people, this may be some of the toughest days of their life.
Some of the physical daily tasks include:
- acclimatising in hot and humid conditions by spending up to 20 minutes working in 40 degree heat with 100% humidity
- performing tasks under oxygen for two hours a day
- being exposed to irrespirable atmospheres
- fighting fires
- performing tasks in low visibility scenarios.
This intensive training makes sure our team are trained, experienced, prepared and ready to respond in the event of an emergency.
The ongoing training requirements include:
- attending six training rounds per year
- training at Mines Rescue station as well as at other mine sites
- being active in training
- keeping medically current.
There is also a requirement to undergo the medical and functional assessments every two years, up until the age of 40, and annually thereafter.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What happens if I fail the cardiovascular fitness evaluation?
In order to pass the cardiovascular fitness section you need to achieve a VO2 (maximum oxygen intake) score of 40 or above. This is measured on a scale of norms and is age and gender related. If your cardiovascular fitness comes back as less than these two values, you will not be passed as fit for Mines Rescue duties.
Should you not pass the functional assessment, the doctor will determine when you should repeat your medical. Provided your health results are considered unremarkable, you are allowed multiple chances at retesting your VO2 levels.
How much exercise do I need to do to achieve the required level of fitness?
It is recommended that you maintain a consistent level of fitness. As a guide, you should be training at least three to four times per week for a minimum of 40 minutes.
Be sure to include both cardiovascular and muscular fitness training into your program.
What exercises are recommended?
| Cardiovascular | Muscular |
|---|---|
| Cycling | Weights machines |
| Jogging | Free weights |
| Swimming | Body weight |
| Rowing | |
| Sport |
How can I assess my cardiovascular fitness beforehand?
The following guidelines outline a good to excellent level of fitness required to pass the functional assessment:
- run 3km in under 18 minutes
- cycle 10km in under 25 minutes
- swim 500m in under 13 minutes.
Please note this ability is a guide and does not guarantee a pass.
How long will it take to achieve this level of fitness?
There are many variables that contribute to improving your fitness, these include your current health and fitness status as well as the time you make available to train. You are aiming to attain a high level of fitness, so this can take anywhere between two to four months.
Is the medical and functional testing ongoing or is this a one-off?
Mines Rescue assessments will continue to be performed every two years up until age 40 and annually once you turn 40.
What happens after the medical and functional assessments?
Provided all tests are passed and the results from the pathology testing are received, a certificate of fitness will be forwarded to Mines Rescue.
Do I need to fast before the ECG or Hepatitis B testing?
Neither the ECG nor hepatitis test require any form of fasting. The tests should only take around half an hour.
Is there anything else I should know?
It is really important to note the following can affect your heart rate and therefore your health and fitness scores:
- caffeine i.e. coffee, Coke, Red Bull
- nicotine i.e. cigarettes
- fatigue i.e. driving more than three hours, lack of sleep, coming off shift work.
It’s important to schedule your assessments for a time where you will have adequate sleep beforehand.
It is important to bring your steel capped boots on the day if available to ensure your comfort. It is also recommended you wear your work attire, and for your own comfort, bring your own belt and hard hat.
If you don’t think your physical fitness is at a level to successfully pass the functional assessment, please inform your employer and CS Health beforehand and they will reschedule the appointment.
Where can I get help?
Speak with your site’s Health and Safety Department for further information on exercise and healthy lifestyle plans.
Alternatively, CS Health has accredited Exercise Physiologists who specialise in clinical exercise prescription, health education and the delivery of exercise and lifestyle modification programs.
Contact your local CS Health office for further information or email partnership_innovation@coalservices.com.au. You can also contact us on (02) 4948 3196.