EOG 300 pg 109-110 Trench Rescue Operations

Which of the following pieces of information is NOT crucial to gather upon arrival at the scene of a cave-in?

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

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

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

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

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

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

What should be the policy of TFD during trench incidents?

Which of these statements about trenchs is correct?

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

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

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

Why do cave ins and collapses generally occur?

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.

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.