BURIED VICTIMS PART I
THE RESCUE COMPANY
THE ACTIONS rescuers take at the scene of a buried-victim operation can often determine whether the operation results in a rescue or a recovery. Rescue units are often called to the scene of an accident in which victims are buried (either completely or partially) as the result of cave-ins, trench or excavation collapse, and landslides. These accidents can be caused by a spoil pile (the excavated material) sliding back into a trench or opening; the ground beneath the pile giving way; vibrations from nearby equipment, railways, subways, trains, or traffic; improper sloping or undercutting of the walls; and water seepage that saturates the soil and causes it to become unstable. The leading causes of most cave-ins and collapses involving buried victims are the failure to follow proper safety rules and the failure to provide adequate shoring and sheeting (or failure to provide shoring and sheeting at all).
OSHA REQUIREMENTS, INFORMATION GATHERING, HAZARDS
According to OSHA’s 1926.652 specific trenching requirements, banks more than five feet high shall be shored, laid back to a stable slope or some other equivalent means of protection, and provided where employees may be exposed to moving ground or cave-ins. (See chart on next page for a guide to sloping banks.) Trenches less than five feet in depth shall also be effectively protected when examination of the ground indicates hazardous ground movement may be expected. Sides of trenches in unstable or soft material five feet or more in depth shall be shored, sheeted, braced, sloped, or otherwise supported by means of sufficient strength to protect the employees working within them.
When responding to the scene of a buried-victim incident, rescue officers must ascertain as much information as possible. This will help them to develop a mental picture and set the computer (yes, the one under the helmet) into operation. On arrival at a construction incident, find the person in charge and get as much information as possible as to the circumstances surrounding the incident. This includes: How many victims are buried or unaccounted for? How long have they been buried? What is their exact location? Are there any eyewitnesses—fellow workers, supervisors, equipment operator, etc.? Has there been any communication with the victim (for example, did a worker trapped in a large pipe indicate his location by tapping out sounds)? What type of work was being performed (sewer, gas, electric, etc)? What is the depth and width of excavation? Are any plans or blueprints available? What actions have been taken so far? Are there any hazards rescuers should know about (such as high voltage or pipelines)?
OSHA 1926.651 dictates that prior to opening an excavation, a determination must be made as to whether underground installations (i.e. sewer, telephone, water, fuel, electric lines) will be encountered, and if so, where they are located. When the excavation approaches an installation’s estimated location, determine its exact location, and after uncovering it provide proper supports for it. Contact utility companies and advise them of proposed work prior to the start of actual excavation.
Hazards such as electric, gas, water, pipelines, and sewers can add to an already dangerous condition. Trenches that require dewatering operations can greatly influence ground conditions. Don’t underestimate the danger that sewer lines pose. Sewage treatment can produce methane gas, which is often found in sewer systems. Methane gas is potentially explosive and being odorless and colorless adds to its already dangerous properties. Rescuers must often rely on contingency plans to overcome such obstacles.
APPROXIMATE ANGLE OF REPOSE FOR SLOPING OF SIDES OF EXCAVATIONS
It is important for supervisors, foremen, equipment operators, and workers to remain at the site to provide any additional information rescuers may require as the operation progresses. Do not depend on these workers to help in the rescue, as many of them may be in a state of shock and unable to operate equipment or tools effectively. If you anticipate the need for special equipment, arrange to have additional qualified operators at the scene. Your manpower needs will vary depending on a number of factors, such as the number of buried victims, the type and depth of the excavation or cave-in, the hazards encountered, and, most important, what type of emergency equipment has responded to the scene. Don’t be reluctant to call for additional help. It is easier to return unnecessary personnel and equipment than to have to wait for help in the event of a secondary cave-in. You often hear the saying “Proact rather than react.” Always have a backup rescue team that stands by in the event that secondary cave-ins or collapses trap the primary rescue team. The backup rescue team should not be involved in the initial operations and should stay out of the danger zone.
THE RESCUE COMPANY
BURIED VICTIMS, PART 1
SAFETY FIRST
Make the work area as safe as possible. Use a minimum number of rescue workers in the danger zone. Place ladders at both sides or ends of excavation for entry and exit where feasible. Rescuers should have safety lines attached to them during operations. Rotate rescuers frequently to prevent fatigue and possible injuries. Remember, working at these incidents is both physically and psychologically demanding.
Support remaining walls before rescuers enter the trench or opening. Walls of shoring and sheeting material should be constructed down to the level of dirt while digging takes place. As dirt and material is removed, continue additional shoring. For example, as rescuers remove two additional feet of dirt or material, they should support the exposed two feet of wall with additional sheeting and shoring. Any lines or pipes exposed during the digging must also be supported.
When dealing with underground piping or lines, remember that the ground has been excavated before and the walls could be unstable. Place a ladder across the opening to secure ropes that are supporting the piping or lines. Be sure to put the ladder on ground pads — sheets of 5/8-inch or 3/4-inch plywood placed alongside the opening that help distribute weight to prevent a secondary collapse.
The ability of a partially buried victim to communicate should not deter rescuers from using proper safety measures or from shoring and sheeting the opening for support. At times rescuers bypass safety procedures in their haste to free a victim. Having discipline, taking the proper safety measures, realizing the dangers to both themselves and the victim, and operating with caution will help rescuers prevent secondary collapse or cave-ins and prevent themselves from becoming victims.
DIGGING FOR VICTIMS
It is best to dig by hand or with small shovels. The trenching tool with which military veterans are quite familiar is ideal for these incidents: Because of its small size, it can provide the versatility needed in small spaces where shoring often interferes with operations. Be careful not to cause any additional injury to victims when digging with a shovel. Dig as close to the victim as possible with the shovel and then dig the rest of the way by hand. Rescuers should use small pails or buckets lowered by rope into the hole to remove excess dirt or soil to a safe area. Place dirt or soil removed far enough away from the opening to prevent a spoil pile slide. A spoil pile slide occurs when the soil, dirt, or material removed in digging is placed too close to the opening at a steep angle and slides back into the opening.
When you reach a buried victim, attach a safety line to him, using a rope or harness. You must dig out the victim completely. Never try to force the victim out by pulling with hands, rope, or machinery. Remember, the material surrounding the victim is compressed against the victim, and pulling will only cause injury.
When uncovering a victim, free the entire chest and head area to allow for chest expansion and respiratory exchange when providing oxygen. When the victim is completely free and ready for final removal, proper emergency care should be administered. Because of the nature of these incidents, many victims suffer traumatic injuries. Again, don’t let haste cloud your priorities; be sure the victim gets the needed treatment prior to removal.
Often because of the shoring or size of the opening, you must remove the victim in a vertical position using a stokes or basket stretcher. Securing the victim properly in the stretcher and closely coordinating the removal protects the victim against additional injuries. The type of lifting or hauling device you use will depend on your department’s resources. (See “The Rescue Company,” Fire Engineering, May ’89, entitled “Confined Space: Rescuer or Victim? Fart 2,” for more information.) The operation is not complete until both the victim and rescuer are safely removed.
