The "Phoenix Capsule" (a 924 poud cage) arrived in Copiano Chile this Saturday to "give a new life" to 33 trapped miners who have been held up since August 5th. Clapping upon the machine's arrival, family members are hopeful and anxious for the start of the rescue. The capsule is equipped with an oxygen supply, communication equipment, retractable wheels to help it travel up the rescue shaft and an escape hatch in case something goes wrong. The machine arrived a week ahead of time which could speed up the rescue date that was anticipated to be October 15th. Both a rescue expert and a skilled paramedic are planning on making the 15 minute 2,300 foot journey down the shaft to do a medical check of the miners and determine who should be extracted first. There are no plans to sedate any of the miners. "Compared to the 50 days the miners have so far spent down there, the 15 minute ride back will be like nothing." Once they are out the miners will be taken to a field hospital where they will be given antibiotics, intravenous fluids, and an eye check. They will then be reunited with family and flown to Copiano Regional Hospital where they will all stay for a minimum of two days. The most immediate risk they may face is damage to their retinas, when exposed to the sun for the first time in weeks. They will be monitored for months for post-traumatic stress.
http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/americans/09/25/chile.miners/index.html
Submitted By: Erin Burneson
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