Trench and Confined Space Rescue

The department is trained and equipped to operate at confined space and trench collapse emergencies. Confined space emergencies occur in storm sewers, tunnels, grain silos, and storage tanks while trench collapse emergencies occur during the excavation of soil for utility pipe installation and basement construction.

All firefighters receive basic rescue and safety training pertinent to these incidents. Firefighters at Station No. 2 receive technican level training. The specialized equipment these situations require is maintained at Station No. 2 on a rescue truck that was formerly a pumper truck.

In a confined space emergency firefighters will assess the situation and identify hazards such as dangerous atmospheres, flowing materials, and moving machinery. Specialized equipment is then used to mitigate these hazards and stabilize the area. Some of this equipment include atmosphere monitors, fans and ducting to ventilate and bring in fresh air, lock-out/tag-out devices to secure machinery and utilities, and a supplied air breathing system to supply rescuers while in the confined space. A tripod, winch, and rope equipment is then used to remove the occupant(s).

In a trench collapse emergency firefighters assess the situation and identify any hazards, such as unstable soil, operating construction equipment, and damaged utility pipes and lines. Equipment specific to this incident include sheets of thick plywood used with hydraulic shoring to stabilize the trench walls, hand tools for removing soil from around the occupant, and rope rescue equipment for removing the occupant from the collapsed area.

These incidents are labor and time intensive and pose additional risks to the firefighters. Many federal and state safety regulations apply when working at these scenes. Department Standard Operating Procedures have been developed to help ensure that all personnel are operating efficiently and safely.