Question

The Chilean Mine Disaster: A Case Study

On August 5, 2010, 33 Chilean miners drilling for copper and gold almost a half mile beneath the surface were trapped by a massive cave-in. Within hours of the accident, the miners found one another, all alive and unharmed, and began to organize for what was sure to be a long stay underground and for a possible rescue attempt.
For the next 17 days, the miners were cut off completely from the outside world, living in what they called their "refuge" and carefully monitoring food, water, and sanitation. Though the miners rarely talked about those first days (once they were finally removed from the cavern), some divulged that there were serious meltdowns among some of the younger members and strong hints of friction in the beginning stages of the disaster - as you might imagine. Then a drill operator on the surface felt some vibrations, a drill came back up with red paint, and another came up with a note, saying, "We are fine in the refuge - the 33."
With that, hope of rescue was ignited beneath the ground while the rescue effort above became even more focused. The country's president promised to use all available resources to extract the miners. While the intensity of the rescue effort above ground was difficult and stressful, the courage and skill of the miners in managing their situation became legendary to people around the world. Health officials were initially concerned about the emotional state of several of the miners, but the miners developed their own team or "society," including roles to care for their fellow captives. Some were assigned to make a space for exercise; others were assigned to make a plan for allocating resources.
The shift leader, Luis Urzua, 54, became the leader of the group, acting through democratic processes on major decisions but also bringing order to the group through his calm and unflustered manner. Another miner commented, "We had a boss who every day said we must stay strong." It was he who also insisted that everyone wait to eat until all had been served through the tiny shaft that first connected the miners with the surface. Another veteran of the mines, 65-year-old Mario Gomez, became the spiritual leader of the group, urging prayers and helping to counsel members of the group who were most susceptible to distress. (In this, he often communicated with a group of psychologists on the surface).
Finally, Yonny Barrios, 50, who took a 6-month nursing course many years ago, became the group's medical "doctor," administering shots and vaccinations, as well as dispensing medicines sent from the surface. After 69 record-breaking days in the mine, the group emerged one by one through a narrow tube that had been constructed. As you can imagine, the stress of the event took a roll, with many of the miners suffering post-traumatic stress disorder and others showing signs of alcoholism. But by staying together and building a team with a culture of confidence and resilience and resolve, they emerged alive, something few thought would ever happen (Nahawandi, Denhart, Denhart, & Aristigueta, 2015, p.317)
Please answer the following question based on the scenario.
1. What were the elements of teamwork that proved so important in the situation?
2. How were various roles filled?
3. Would you say that effective teamwork saved their lives?

Answer 1

The Chilean mine disaster showcased effective teamwork with clear leadership, role allocation, and cooperation among the miners, contributing significantly to their survival during the 69-day entrapment.

Step-by-step explanation:

Teamwork Elements in the Chilean Mine Rescue

The case of the Chilean mine disaster serves as an exemplar of how teamwork and organized roles are crucial in a crisis situation. Key elements of teamwork exhibited during this event included clear leadership, role allocation, cooperation, and mutual support among the trapped miners. Roles were filled based on individuals' skills and experience; for instance, Luis Urzua used his experience to enforce order, Mario Gomez provided spiritual guidance, and Yonny Barrios used his medical knowledge to tend to health concerns.

Effective teamwork was undoubtedly critical to the miners' survival. The structured social system they created helped them manage resources, maintain morale, and support each other emotionally and physically. This sense of camaraderie and the establishment of various roles allowed the miners to endure the prolonged period of entrapment until they were rescued.