The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-10-19

TyHE first automobile built il Amerea
for mine rescue work will be given
\ the local rescue station, according
TO an announcement made some weeks
aso from the federau bureau Of mines.
The car has been built by the White Mo-
tor company under plans furnished by
the engineers of the bureau of nlines. The
car has been pictured here and great
deal of interest has been created over the
new feature of rescuing miners. The car
contains compartments of wonderful va
riety of scientific paraphernalia such as
uulmotors, oxygen pumps tanks. respira-
Tors. fire extingushers, explosive ma
terials, complete underground telephone
equipment, miners. tools, firemen's tools.
ambulance equipment and medical sup
plies.
4 statement about the car giving in de-
tail its fine points has been prepared by
the White company and is given as fol-
lows:
TO rescue, revive and treat entombed
and njtlred miners and thus reduce the
lcss of life and lessen the injuries result
ins from the periodic disasters in the coal
mines OF the United States, the bureau Of
mines OF the department of the interior
has evolved new plan of relief work
involving the extensive use of motor res
cue trucks of 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 specifications,
was constructed by the White company,
or Cleveland, o., and delivered to the
bureau of mines in Pittsburg, Pa. 1t is
d veritable hospital, carrying every piece
of portable equipment that is useful in
rescuing miners. quenching flames, resus-
citating the unconscious and administer
ing first aid.
Included in the equipment are two pull
motors, six oxygen tanks. 90 regenerators,
an oxygen pump. two stretchers, life
lire. box OF explosives, lanterns, tents,
fire extinguishers complete telephone sys-
TEN and a full complement of hose, axes,
saws, miners tools and medical and sur
ecal supplies. The equipment is complete
even to the extent of providing for the
bird and cage that are used in detecting
poisonous gases in mine shafts.
"A majority of the members of the
American Mine Safety association, who
saw the first truck in operation during
their recent convention in PittsourS, pre-
dicted big reduction in casualties. A
mine explosion with all its effects except
human injury was staged during the con-
Venton. The truck with its full equip
lneut was tested by government represcn-
tatives while moving picture operators,
also employed by the government, record
ed every act and movement to show alb
sent mine operators how lives can be
saved and danger leSScned.
THE bureau OF mines has proposed that
mine owners in each district establish
motor rescue stations at central points
IRON which each district may be served.
This phase of safety in mine work was
one of the principal topics of discussion at
the convention, all of the members of the
association showing a keen interest in the
new motor vehicle.
.Inasmuch as instant access to every
thing is essential, the truck body has been
built with a special place for everything
1t carries. And everything must be in its
proper place. To this end, the entire car
rying space. except for the crew of trained
1escuers consists of compartments of
yarying size and odd shape, nearly ali
opening on the outside of the truck by
means of snatch hooks.
Under the drivers seat are carried 10
Draeger reviving outfits. Six oxygen
tanks are carried beneath the body on
q specially built subframe and cradle, the
tanks lying crosswise of the truck SO that
they may be pulled out quickly when
frame there is attached an oxygen pump,
which is operated by the power of the
motor. In back of the drivers seat there