This September, Kinross Tasiast put employees skills, proactive responses and commitment to teamwork to the test with the first-ever Interdepartmental First Aid Competition!

The inaugural event brought together 64 teams, each made up of three employees from all departments on site for a series of live emergency simulations. Claude Schimper, Executive Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer, attended the event and led the opening ceremony by thanking employees for their participation, enthusiasm and dedication to Kinross’ Safety Culture.

Teams then kicked off the formal challenges at their stations where they participated in single-elimination brackets, having to win four simulations in order to reach the Grade Finale. The competition was fierce and became increasingly challenging with each station ranging from areas focused on CPR, controlling bleeding, fracture management and live emergency response procedures.

In the end, only one team could receive the first-place title – congratulations to the Senisa team who received top scores and the championship title, with an honourable mention to the Optorg team who placed second, and the Projects team who placed third!

At the closing ceremony, the top three teams were presented with their awards by Claude Schimper and Afjal Hashim, Vice-President and General Manager, Tasiast. All participating employees and attendees were then provided with first aid kits as a ‘thank you’ for their attendance and commitment to prioritizing Kinross’ Safety Culture.

“The Interdepartmental First Aid Competition not only showcased employees health and safety skills, but was an opportunity to strengthen bonds across all departments and turn essential training into a dynamic, memorable experience,” said Caleb Trease, Health and Safety Manager, Tasiast. “This event has set the stage for an annual tradition at Tasiast, inspiring employees to learn, compete and keep each other safe.”

Check out photos from the competition below, and catch the highlight video by Kinross Tasiast here!

The Senisa team celebrates their victory – with the championship title at the first ever Interdepartmental First Aid Competition!


The third place champions – the Projects team – accept their award from Claude and Afjal with Evan de Witt, Projects Construction Manager, Tasiast 


Competition judges in discussion during the events


A team completes one of the First Aid competition challenges