Chile Flag (Creative Commons)

The rescue tube was completed over the weekend after 28 days of drilling. The Plan B rescue uses a different type of drill and significantly expedited the rescue process. Plan A would have rescued the miners in December, at the earliest.

For the miners, the ascent to the surface is about a half a mile, and is expected to take 20 minutes.

A tentative list of the order in which the miners will be rescued was sent down to the miners, but the actual order is being kept a secret. Officials said the miners are so confident that the rescue effort will work, they are arguing over who will be sent up last.

The final order will likely be determined by paramedics after evaluating the conditions of the men.

The miners’ physical and psychological health has been monitored throughout the rescue effort, and additional measures are in place to ensure a successful rescue. To prevent blood clots, miners began to take 100 mg of aspirin on Sunday, and will wear compression socks and a girdle on their way to the surface.

If they are slated to reach the surface at night, miners will also wear sweaters to keep them warm. If they will reach the surface during the day, miners will wear sunglasses to protect their retinas from the sunlight.

Officials say the greatest worry, though, is panic attacks from being alone on the ride up. Other worries include drastic changes in blood pressure and the onset of post-traumatic stress disorder.

After reaching the surface, the miners will undergo a two hour medical examination before a brief reunion with their family. An airlift will then take them to a hospital in Copiapo.

Reach reporter Jennifer Schultz here.

Follow Neon Tommy on Twitter: @neontommy.

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