Specialized Rescue Procedures

There are many common types of rescues such as building search, victim removal, and extrication from motor vehicles. On the other side, there are certain specialized rescues such as water rescues, ice rescues, structural collapse rescues, and elevator/escalator rescues. These specialized rescues are generally low volume calls, depending on coverage area, and thus firefighters should be trained for them to better assess the situation. 

Structural collapse, while not a common incident, may occur for any number of reasons weakening from age or fire, environmental causes (earthquake, tornado, hurricane, flooding, rain, or snow buildup on roofs), or an explosion (accidental or intentional). Structural collapses can create numerous voids where victims could be trapped. 

When arriving on scene the number of potential victims should be acquired. Certain hazards to look for in a structural collapse are a secondary collapse, live electrical wires, and gas leaks. The electricity and gas should be shut-off. Structural collapses come in three different types pancake collapse, lean-to collapse, and v-type collapse. 

A pancake collapse is characterized by both supporting walls failing or by the anchoring system failing and the supported roof or upper floor falling parallel to the floor below. Small voids where victims can be found are created by debris. 

A lean-to collapse occurs when only one side of the supporting walls or floor anchoring system fails. One side of the collapsed roof is attached to the remaining wall or anchoring system. The lean-to collapse creates a significant void near the remaining wall. 

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Warnings, cautions, and special emergency procedures (e.g., egress, rescue, escape, render safe, EOD, backout, etc.), including those necessitated by failure of a computer software-controlled operation to produce the expected and required safe result or indication... 

The staff reviewed the RAEP and various implementing procedures concerning reentry actions (i.e., first-aid, search and rescue, and emergency repairs) and found them adequate. The staff determined that the discussion on recovery actions is also adequate, considering that the EOF has the responsibility for planning the recovery and that the responsibilities of personnel in the reactor area are limited to implementing the directives of the recovery organization within the confines of normal administrative and specially prepared procedures. 

Entry into a tank that has contained any chlorinated or any easily evaporated solvent requires special procedures to ensure worker safety. The heavier vapors tend to concentrate in unventilated spaces. The proper tank entry procedure requires positive ventilation, testing for residue solvent vapor and oxygen levels, and the use of respiratory equipment and rescue harness. Monitoring the tank from outside is also important. The use of an appropriate gas mask is permissible in vapor concentrations of less than 2% and when there is no deficiency of atmospheric oxygen, but not for exposures exceeding one-half hour. Skin exposure to 1,1,1-trichloroethane can cause irritation, pain, bHsters, and even burning. Eye exposure may produce irritation, but should... 

The location of an inhalator, a stretcher, and other rescue equipment, if not in the laboratory itself, should be known. The telephone number of the nearest medical emergency room and the local ambulance service should be posted conspicuously. Instructions for emergency evacuation, including special procedures for evacuating physically handicapped persons, should also be posted. An evacuation drill held near the beginning of each academic term is recommended. 

Rescue services may be provided by outside contractors specializing in that specific work. Generally, plant rescue personnel or outside contractors are selected in advance and are made aware of the hazards of the CS. They should be given all the pertinent information location, name of the vessel, permit procedures, list of hazardous chemicals, MSDS, etc. In many instances, companies decide to provide their own in-house rescue services. These employees will have received extensive training in CS rescues. 

The assessment of the need for first aid arrangements will identify if any special procedures may be required to deal with accidents or illnesses at work. In most cases the local National Health Trust emergency service will suffice. However, in some cases, for example in remote areas or where there is a likelihood of an unusual rescue. 

Workers must be trained in procedures to combat foreseen hazards, use of monitoring equipment, personal hygiene and emergency procedures. Management must be equally trained, with special reference to use of rescue equipment and confined space entry routines. 

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