EOG 300 pg 109-110 Trench Rescue Operations

Questions and Answers

Which of the following pieces of information is crucial to gather upon arrival at the scene of a cave-in?

Is the location of the incident well-known?

What time of day did the incident occur?

How many rescue teams are available?

Is there more than one victim? (correct)

What is the correct distance for establishing the Hot Zone at a collapse site?

200 feet in diameter from the collapse

100 feet in diameter from the collapse (correct)

50 feet in diameter from the collapse

150 feet in diameter from the collapse

Which question should NOT be asked to the reporting party or witnesses upon arrival?

What is the victim's condition?

What was the weather like during the incident? (correct)

What has been done so far?

Have all workers been accounted for?

In which order should the zones be established at the scene of a collapse?

Hot Zone, Warm Zone, Crowd Control Line Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary concern when assessing a victim at the scene?

Is the victim conscious? Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of fatalities from cave-ins are would-be rescuers?

60% Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is NOT considered a primary hazard during trench rescue operations?

Unexpected equipment use Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum width of a trench measured at the bottom?

15 feet Signup and view all the answers

What should be the policy of TFD during trench incidents?

To not allow entry to any personnel in to a trench or excavation which has not been made safe through proper and approved techniques Signup and view all the answers

Which of these statements about trench and excavation definitions is correct?

Trenches are always deeper than they are wide. Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for requesting the TFD Rescue Task Force and Hazmat?

The incident commander (IC) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the nature of trench rescue operations?

Highly dangerous requiring complex resources Signup and view all the answers

What is the number of serious injuries resulting from cave-ins is estimated annually?

5,000 Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Trench Rescue Overview

Trench cave-ins in the U.S. cause 60 to 100 fatalities and about 5,000 serious injuries yearly. Approximately 60% of these fatalities are would-be rescuers.
Fire department personnel face significant risks during trench rescue operations, necessitating advanced shoring, hand tools, earth-moving equipment, and specialized resources.
The TFD prohibits personnel entry into trenches or excavations unless they are made safe with proper, approved techniques.

Key Hazards

Primary hazards include the potential for additional collapses due to unstable soil conditions and inadequate shoring.
Actions such as removing soil or debris, adding weight near trench edges, vibrations (e.g., vehicle movement), rain, or the passage of time can disrupt temporary soil stability and lead to further collapses.
TFD companies are required to receive training to operate at an awareness level for trench incidents.

Response Protocols

The TFD Rescue Task Force and Hazmat teams must be dispatched or requested for any incident involving personnel entering a trench or excavation.

Definitions

Trench: A narrow excavation with depth greater than width; bottom width not exceeding 15 feet.
Excavation: A depression, hole, earth wall, or trench of four feet or greater in depth, either man-made or natural.

Tactical Considerations

Assessment on Arrival

Critical information to gather from witnesses includes:
- Accountability of all workers
- Number of victims
- Victim's condition and location
- Whether victims are fully or partially buried
- Time elapsed since the cave-in
- Actions taken thus far
- Nature of work being performed
- Job supervision and authority

Scene Control

Establish three control zones:
- Hot Zone: 100 feet in diameter from the collapse site.
- Warm Zone: 100 feet beyond the Hot Zone.
- Crowd Control Line: 100 feet beyond the Warm Zone.

Description

This quiz covers the essential strategic and tactical considerations for trench rescue operations. It highlights the significant dangers faced by rescuers and the necessary equipment and techniques required to ensure safety. Test your knowledge on best practices in emergency trench rescue scenarios.