In the Books: John O’Connell
Host David Rhodes speaks to John O’Connell about his storied career in the fire service as well as the latest edition of Emergency Rescue Shoring Techniques.
John P. O'Connell
The Latest
SEARCHING THE RUINS OF THE WORLD TRADE CENTER
The scope of rescue operations at the World Trade Center (WTC) was the most comprehensive of any that occurred in this country. The WTC incident was unique in that this was the first time ever that a steel-frame high-rise building had collapsed—anywhere in the world.
COLLAPSE SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATIONS: TACTICS AND PROCEDURES
One of the only times it may become necessary to lift collapse debris is when it is necessary to extricate a victim trapped or pinned by the debris. Lifting and removing loose debris to reach a victim usually is not a problem, although it may be time-consuming. The problems arise when a victim is pinned by debris or larger structural elements that are supporting large areas of debris or other structural elements. In this situation, the decision must be made whether to remove debris by hand or u
COLLAPSE SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATIONS: TACTICS AND PROCEDURES PART 15: AIR BAG OPERATIONS
One of the only times it may become necessary to lift collapse debris is when it is necessary to extricate a victim trapped or pinned by the debris. Lifting and removing loose debris to reach a victim usually is not a problem, although it may be time-consuming. The problems arise when a victim is pinned by debris or larger structural elements that are supporting large areas of debris or other structural elements.In this situation, the decision must be made whether to remove debris by hand or us
More John P. O'Connell
Collapse Search and Rescue Operation: Tactics and Procedures
Generally, the split sole raker shore is used when there are open soil conditions around a structure; these conditions are most commonly found around private homes. The main differences between this type of raker shore and the solid sole raker shore are in the positioning of the bottom of the rake and in the construction of the bottom braces. Instead of resting on the sole plate, the base of the raker is embedded in the ground, generally wedged into some type of blocking. Instead of a one-piece
COLLAPSE SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATION: TACTICS AND PROCEDURES PART 14: HORIZONTAL SHORING
The horizontal shore can be used for interior and exterior shoring. It is used primarily to support damaged or unstable walls in hallways, alleys, access ways, air shafts, and between structures. Generally, it is used in larger structures, such as office buildings, commercial establishments, or larger residential structures of brick-and-joist or concrete construction. The main purpose of the shoring is to stabilize normal access ways that have been compromised. Horizontal shoring allows for con
COLLAPSE SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATIONS: TACTICS AND PROCEDURES
Once the officer in command has decided to erect rake shoring and has determined the size of the lumber to be used and a shoring size-up has been made, erection of the shores can begin. STEP 1: ERECTING THE WALL PLATE Erecting the wall plate is the first step in constructing a rake shore.
COLLAPSE SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATIONS: TACTICS AND PROCEDURES
Exterior rake shores are erected in emergency situations primarily to stabilize and resupport existing bearing or nonbearing exterior walls. These walls may be cracked, damaged, leaning, bulged, or in some way not properly supporting their loads. Erecting a series of fixed rake shores properly anchored and braced together will stop the wall from moving any further.
COLLAPSE SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATIONS: TACTICS AND PROCEDURES
The door shore can be used to shore and stabilize any access way or doorway, even if breaching of walls has been undertaken. Usually, it is done to shore up a damaged or unstable existing doorway, and it is well suited for buildings with a masonry face. After a serious collapse, the majority of masonry in the structure has been subjected to some type of stress.
COLLAPSE SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATIONS: TACTICS AND PROCEDURES
In almost all building construction work, the steel square, also known as a framing or rafter square, is an invaluable tool for measuring and determining angles. It is most commonly called a framing square because of its various scales and tables, which are used extensively in house framing.
COLLAPSE SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATIONS TACTICS AND PROCEDURES
Part 6: Window and Interior Rake Shoring The window shore, though not as commonly used as other interior shores, is necessary in some collapse situations. An extensive collapse of exterior walls and interior floors and walls can generate tremendous amounts of debris. At times, this debris can block the main egress into the building.
COLLAPSE SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATIONS: TACTICS AND PROCEDURES
This article, the third in a series on collapse search and rescue operations (see Parts 1 and 2 in the May and June 1993 issues of Fire Engineering), begins a discussion on cribbing techniques as part of an ongoing discussion on collapse voids, hazards and safety, and shoring techniques. After the void team officer has determined that the void is safe to enter, the void entry firefighter enters the area and starts to clear any loose debris. As debris removal continues and the void opening is expanded, the void must be safely supported, since the threat of secondary collapse is always present.