DigiRescueMe aimed to achieve two main objectives in vocational education. First, it sought to develop a standardized and digitally enriched rescue training program by integrating engineering, psychology, and pedagogy. The project focused on enhancing the preparedness, resilience, and capacity of learners in vocational education. Locally, VR-equipped Rescue Labs were established in Kütahya, Krakow, Porto, and Balıkesir. Regionally, stakeholders increased awareness. Nationally, mining companies were informed, and results were shared. At the EU level, the project supported safety goals of the EU Commission and European Mining Authorities. It introduced the first standardized mine rescue curriculum enriched with digital and mental well-being tools. Internationally, it set a rescue model addressing both physical and mental aspects. Free accessibility aligned companies with EU systems, fostering collaboration. Thanks to the Erasmus fund, mining vocational schools did interdisciplinary work with the IT department and improved the capacity of vocational schools and vocational training centers of mines, and that was a good example for the other fields of work.
Statistics showed occupational diseases and accidents claimed 2 million lives annually, exceeding drug- and war-related deaths. Mining remained the most hazardous sector, with the highest worker fatality and accident rates. European and Turkish data reported 150+ miner deaths and 20,000 injuries yearly in the EU and Türkiye. Despite safety laws, accidents persisted, highlighting the need for better rescue training. EU rescue education lagged behind Canada and Australia, lacking a unified curriculum in mining VET schools and company units. Rescue centers lacked modern tools like VR and AR, crucial for high-risk training. A needs analysis showed 75% of Turkish Coal Ent (TKI) rescuers favored virtual practice. Interviews with TKI, Portuguese mining firms, and the Polish Rescue Service confirmed training gaps. The Polish Rescue Service also stressed mental well-being support. The Heads of European Mining Authorities declared an urgent need for a modern rescue simulator. These findings underscored the need for a standardized training program with digital and mental health tools to better prepare mining students and rescue teams.