The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1913-10-23
FOR RESCUE OF MINERS

To. rescue. revive and treat .entomb-
ed and injured miners and thus reduce
the loss of life and lessen the inJur-
les, resulting from thepl eriodic disas-
ters In the coal mines of the United
States, the Bureau of Mines OF the
Department of Interior has evolved a
new. plan of relief work involving
the extensive use OF motor rescue
trucks of a special design equipped
with all the paraphernalia known In
the science of RELIEF work.
The first vehicle of the new type,
built according to government speci-
ficatfons is a veritable hospital, carry
ing every piece of portable equipment
that is useful in rescuing miners,
quenching flames, resuscttating the
unconscious and administering first
aid.
Included In the equipment are two
pulmotors, six oxygen tanks, fifty re-
generators, an oxygen pump. two
stretchers, g, life line, box of expIo-
sives, Ianteras. tents. fire exiting uish-
ers, complete telephone system and
a full complement of hose, axes, saws
miners tools and medical and surgical
supplies. The equipment is complete
even to the extent of providing for
the bird and cage that are used in de-
tecting poisonous gases in mine
shafts.
"A majority of the members of the
American Mine Safety Association,
who saw the first truck in opera
ton during their recent convention
in Pittsburgh, predicted big reduc-
ton in casualties. A mine explosion,
with all its effects except human in
jury was staged during the conven-
ton. The truck with Its full equip
ment was tested by government repre-
sentatives while moving picture oper-
ators, also employed by the govern
ment, recorded every act and move
ment to show absent mine operators
how lives can be saved and danger
lessened.
The Bureau of Mines has proposed
that mine owners in each district es-
tablish motor rescue stations at cen
trail points from which each district
may be served. This phase of safety
in mein work was one of the princi-
pal topics Of discussion at the con
vention, all Of the members of the
association showing keen interest in
the new motor vehicle.
Inasmuch as instant access to ev-
erythtng is essential, the truck body
has been built with a special place for
everything it carries. And everything
| must be In it's proper place. To this
end, the entire carrying space, except
for the crew of trained rescuers, con-
sists of compartments of varying size
and odd shape nearly all opening on
the outside of the truck by means of
snatch hooks.
Under the drivers seat are carried
ten Draeger reviving outfits. Six oxy-
gen tanks are carried beneath the
body on a specially built sub-frame
| and cradle, the tanks lying crosswise
| of the truck SO that they may be
pulled out quickly when necessary.
On the left side of the chassis frame
there is attached an oxygen pump,
which is operated by the power OF
the motor. In back of the drivers
seat there are hooks for a five foot
cfowbaf and tent poles,
! Immediately In back of the drivers
seat and extending the full height OF
/ the truck there is series of compart-
ments opening on the outside of the
truck. These compartments carry q
| tent. 20 feet of hose, three miners
picks, three miners shoveIs, one four
pound sIedge and two hand axes. In
back of these compartments are two
seats, arranged lengthwise, with fold
ing lazy-backs and protected by a
brass railing. Beneath the seats there
! is a series of small compartments.
Beneath the rear steps there is an
other compartment with doors at each
side and in the end. There are also
shallow drawers to take saws, hose
couplings redueers, spanners and zoo