Clinical response of participants was evaluated in a Shelter-Garmedia underground mining refuge, which provides, at least, 48 h of breathable air, water, food, adequate temperature and humidity, as well as supplies in the event of an emergency. The objective was to validate the design of the Shelter-Garmendia underground mining refuge through the measurement of three clinical variables of twenty individuals confined during 48 h in a refuge and obtain their views concerning functional parameters of the refuge. Oxygen saturation, blood pressure and cardiac frequency showed average values of 96.9 +/- 1.4%; 117/78 and 74.3 +/- 8.1 beats/min, respectively. These values evidenced that available environmental concentrations of O-2, CO2, temperature, and humidity inside the refuge were adequate for twenty people to survive in a shared confined space. Concerning the refuge functionality, quality perception of 13 functional parameters was assessed. Eleven categories, ranging from agree to strongly agree were evaluated in given responses. Only two variables, i.e., monitoring system of environmental parameters and seats were reported to be less acceptable. The field test showed that all functional parameters were positively ranked, thus providing realistic data about clinical response and physical discomfort inside a refuge. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.