Progressive lifting Trench rescue approach Always lift with a good overview of the situation. Small lifting actions in one area can dramatically affect the structure elsewhere.
The greatest risk to the approaching rescuers is a secondary collapse leading to the rescuer becoming trapped in the trench. The following approach aims to minimize this risk. Inner or action circle for rescuers directly involved.
Ladder(s) for acces. Atmospheric monitoring and necessary ventilation.
Secondarry zone reserved for all other emergency service personnel. All non-emergency service persons should be kept clear of these two zones.
Low pressure bag used for backfill behind shoring. Staging area for additional secondary shoring material. Shoring planks.
The procedure
Shoring boards.
Shoring board used as edge padding.
The procedure Rescuers should never move into an un-shored trench.
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Start by ensuring all necessary lifting equipment is readily available. This equipment should ideally be staged close by.
Create an opening for your high pressure lifting bag(s). In many cases this is best done with a hydraulic wedge.
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Always approach the trench from the head, with caution, using edge padding to spread your weight over the ground.
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After placing a ladder in the trench at the head, encourage those in the trench who are not entrapped to leave the trench. Once contact has been made with a conscious patient this contact should never be broken.
The space created by the hydraulic wedge should be secured using wedge blocks.
Never place your fingers under or near a load being lifted.
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Now slide your lifting bag into place. This is best done with a wedge block against the bag so that your fingers are not in danger. Always position your bag(s) completely (past the center of the bag) under the load before inflating.
All lifted loads should always be backed up using blocks, wedge blocks or a mechanically locked shoring system.
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As the lifting bag is inflated, the progression to the next lifting tool can be considered. In this case the logical progression is to a lifting jack.
In the meantime, other members of the team can begin to place boards at the edge of the trench so as to spread the weight of rescuers who will be working there. It may also be necessary to position more ladders to allow escape for those remaining in the trench or for any rescuers that may accidentally fall in during rescue efforts.
Never approach the edge of a trench without edge padding in place no matter how stable it might seem.
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It may also be necessary to clear the soil pile from close to the edge to allow access. After doing this, always place boards on the ground to help spread the weight.
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Perform gas monitoring continuously and provide necessary ventilation.
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Finally, your trench rescue equipment should be staged in a specific order, allowing quick and easy access to the tools required.
If the lifting bag needs to be left in place, a shut-off hose with a safety valve should be used.
Larger lifting bags can also be backed up using automatic follow-up shoring.
Always be extra cautious when lifting loads at angles. Be sure that your lifting action will not cause the load to shift uncontrollably. This is best controlled by good chocking.
As seen in “Holmatro’s Emergency Shoring & Lifting Techniques” www.holmatro.com
This poster shows information on rescue tools and rescue techniques that can be employed in different emergency situations. The situations shown on this poster are examples only and are merely meant to assist the user of this poster in understanding certain basic rescue extrication techniques and rescue tools available. Each accident is unique. Variables such as the number and condition of patients and external hazards all play a role in determining the appropriate actions and their sequence. It is important to note that you should always read and understand the manual for the relevant rescue tools, use the standard operating procedures and follow the instructions of your department and incident commanders. The extrication scene is inherently hazardous. Your personal safety depends on the training provided by your agency, your use of the appropriate personal protective equipment and your understanding of the rescue equipment you or your agency utilizes. It is YOUR responsibility to read and understand all operation manuals associated with your rescue equipment, receive appropriate training in its use, and ensure that it is properly maintained. Your failure to take all of these steps may lead to death or severe personal injury of victims, yourself or any body else at the emergency scene. Holmatro disclaims any liability for any damage or injury, whether direct, indirect or otherwise, and whether asserted in contract, tort, warranty or otherwise, incurred as a result of the use of rescue techniques and/or rescue tools described on this poster or the use of any other rescue techniques and/or rescue tools that are employed in an actual emergency situation, except to the extent, and limited to, the terms of any warranty provided by Holmatro for its own equipment. Holmatro makes no warranty, express or implied, with respect to its own equipment from the contents of this poster, including without limitation, any warranty of merchantability or warranty of fitness for a particular purpose.