Bringing heat down for mine rescue teams: technology monitors body temperatures

Laurentian University is looking at ways to prevent heat stress during mine rescue missions.

The research is being conducted by the school's Centre for Research in Occupational Safety and Health.

The centre has developed technology you strap on your body, and a pill-like device that can be swallowed. The two together can assess a person's body temperature during a mine rescue mission.

This technology measures a mine rescuer's vital signs and can predict if they may be experiencing heat stress.

"It's particularly a concern for the mine rescue groups because if they're called into an emergency, and they have to go to depth, they can be getting at temperature very quickly," said Sandra Dorman, the centre's director.

"And at the same time, with all the gear they have to wear, that can contribute to heat accumulation as well."

Dorman said this system can also detect if a person falls down underground or has fainted during a rescue mission.

The technology is currently being tested during the International Mines Rescue Competition underway in Sudbury.