An email about the mine disaster I was sent; For Whom the Drill Bit Tolls

[benburch]

For Whom the Drill Bit Tolls

Most of the 12 miners probably died unnecessarily after hearing clanging on a drill bit, but they were too weak and dis-oriented to respond. If they could have responded they probably would have said. " Get this damn Drill bit out of this hole and send down some air. yet, during the next seven hours, while waiting for the rescuers, all but one died moaning and gasping for air that was readily available but to the rescue planners it was more important to measure the level of the gasses that were killing them, than it was to Pump down air to save them.

Why will the Media "Cover Up" this Gross and Deadly Error in planning and judgement which cost lives in this Tragedy and will cost more lives, in the future if not corrected.

Paul E Lawrence, Nitro West Virginia

[patrice]

1. Some of them left notes saying they were not suffering, just

going to sleep. (on MSNBC this a.m.)

[benburch]

2. Wouldn't you leave such a note for your family?

Even if you were suffering?

[patrice]

3. Good point.

[Rabbit of Caerbannog]

4. Carbon Monoxide is

supposedly a painless way to die. When I was an EMT, I was taught that the victim would simply "fall asleep" and not wake up (so gas/oil heat people: INSTALL A DAMN CO DETECTOR!!). Some of my idiot ex-EMT colleagues used to call it "the cowards way out" when someone would off themselves by closing themself in their garage with the motor running (versus the "brave" way, i.e. gun in mouth, head on RR track...)

Regardless - it's just too sad about the minors - but given the various choices of how to die and everything I know about CO - I'd take it over drowning/freezing/trauma...

ALSO - CO poisoning without death can result in brain damage - so the surviving minor may have a tough road ahead...

[benburch]

5. I've had CO poisoning...

And it gave me a terrific headache.

Now, I know CO2 poisoning is just like falling asleep, but my experience with CO says otherwise for that gas.

If I ever want to do myself in, though, I know how I would choose to do it; A fall from at least 90 feet onto pavement. Three seconds and it is all over.