On Friday, Oct. 30, the third annual Mine Rescue Day, the mining community honored first responders to mine emergencies. MSHA designated Oct. 30 as Mine Rescue Day to promote the importance of mine rescue teams and to recognize those who have responded to mine emergencies. The U.S. Department of Labor released a new video about mine​ rescue to coincide with this year’s Mine Rescue Day. According to the agency, approximately 300 mine rescue teams are certified and equipped to perform mine rescue operations in the U.S. Members of these teams train in first aid, firefighting, and emergency communications. “We owe these mining community volunteers the best training and support available,” said Joseph A. Main, assistant secretary of labor for mine safety and health. “While mine safety has improved, an emergency can occur at any time that puts miners and rescuers alike at risk.” MSHA recognized the first Mine Rescue Day on Oct. 30, 2013, a date the agency selected for its historical significance. The first national mine rescue demonstration was held in the U.S. on Oct. 30, 1911, in Pittsburgh, Pa., with President William Howard Taft in attendance. Since then, many contests have been held to help prepare mine rescue teams to respond to emergencies.