69 days spent by Chilean miners in an underground trap became a record test for the human psyche. We were convinced again that, adapting to stress, we are able to unite and “settle in” even the most unbearable circumstances.
The miners experienced all the stress factors known to man, but at the cost of great efforts they managed to get used to this extraordinary situation, structure it, make it more familiar, even routine in some ways. “The main thing is to create a civilized routine of life in circumstances that do not imply any routine and no civilization at all,” emphasizes military psychologist Tom Kolditz*. The most difficult were the first weeks of confinement, when 33 miners managed to keep their minds and lives in a confined space of 50 m2 in the face of the threat of death, the uncertainty of the future and the complete absence of contacts with the outside world. When help arrived, the first thing the miners did was to send them razors and toothbrushes – and this is no coincidence. Tidyness is the expression of discipline, and discipline in a critical situation is saving, Tom Colditz believes: “Washing and shaving every day is a way to maintain civility, and civility protects against conflict, cruelty, from the loss of human appearance.”
The eldest of the miners, 62-year-old Mario Gomez, took over as coordinator; he divided all the «prisoners» into groups of three so that these «troikas» would stick together and be able to take care of each other (the youngest of the miners is only 19 years old). He also organized something like a chapel, where those who needed spiritual support came. Luis Ursua, 54, a shift supervisor, drew up a schedule for clearing debris from the rescue drilling. As a desktop, he used the hood of equipment that worked in the mine — the presence of such an impromptu office also helped to maintain the usual coordinates of life. He also established a firm order: no one begins to eat until each of the thirty-three has received his portion.
Rescuers and psychologists set their own rules. To create a change of day and night underground, they lowered special lamps into the dungeon. Books were handed over to the miners, communication sessions with relatives were arranged, and even television was held. It was decided not to pass down the wine (so as not to disturb the fragile peace of mind) and cigarettes (so as not to pollute the air). When the miners became indignant and even staged a riot, psychologists considered this a good sign: an indignant person is a person who is not exhausted and not broken. The tension persisted until the very last day, so «33» agreed not to disclose the details of their relationship during this difficult time. And yet, the fact that every single one survived speaks of the enormous strength of human solidarity that united the miners, their loved ones, colleagues and comrades, and finally, their compatriots and the leaders of Chile. The Chilean authorities were able to support the miners, quickly organize work to rescue them, and involve international assistance. Despite the difficult relations between the two countries, Bolivian President Evo Morales flew to Chile — for the sake of one of his compatriots who fell into a trap! Maybe this salvation was so joyful also for this reason?
* See Time, September 20, 2010 for details.