SOG 500.03 Trench Rescue

Question 1

Trench Rescue Definition

Answer 1

*Trench – A temporary excavation in which the length of the excavation exceeds the width of the excavation.
The term “Trench” is generally limited to an excavation that is less than 15 feet wide and less than 20 feet
deep

Question 2

Trench Rescue Position/Description - IC

Answer 2

*Overall management of the incident
*Supports efforts of the Rescue Group Supervisor and other group supervisors

Question 3

Trench Rescue Position/Description -RGS

Answer 3

*Must be a Trench Rescue Technician
*Reports directly to IC
*Develop/implement tactical ops
*Accounts for all persons under RGS
*Uses Trench rescue tactical worksheet
*Coord. with Med Grp and Hazmat Grp

Question 4

Trench Rescue Position/Description - Squad Team Leader

Answer 4

*Must be a Trench Rescue Technician
*Reports direct to RGS
*Leads rescue squad during pre-entry and entry ops
*Coordinates with other Squad Team Leaders
*Provides updates to RGS

Question 5

Trench Rescue Position/Description - Squad Team

Answer 5

*Report direct to squad team leader
*Consists of a minimum of two technicians and two first responders

Question 6

Trench Rescue Position/Description - Cutting Team Leader

Answer 6

*Must be a Trench Rescue Technician
*Reports direct to RGS
*Coord. with Squad Team Leaders
*Assigns cut team positions
**Runners, sawyer, support

Question 7

Trench Rescue Position/Description -Rigging Team Leader

Answer 7

*Reports direct to RGS
*All rigging ops, safety, PPE

Question 8

Trench Rescue Position/Description - Safety

Answer 8

*Must be a Trench Rescue Technician
*Reports direct to IC
*All safety and PPE

Question 9

Trench Rescue Position/Description - 1st arriving Engine Company

Answer 9

*CO - Initial action IC
*Directs crew based on 1st due guide
*Report on Cond., request add’l units
*Switches incident to TAC
*Update on cond., takes command
*Has dispatch contact DWP or other utility
Establish obj based on rescue/recover
*Non entry rescue possible?
*Assign key postions
**RGS, Hazmat grp sup, medical grp sup

Question 10

Trench Rescue Position/Description - 1st arriving Engine Company initial actions

Answer 10

*Approach trench from the ends
*Interview RP and obtain site plans / MSDS / blueprints
*Isolate, deny entry, and evacuate
*50’ exclusion, 150’ perimeter
*Monitor air in/around trench
*ID victim location, verbal contact
**Lower rope to victim for positive contact
*Lock/tag out for sources of vibration
*Edge pro, remove spoil pile, ladders in trench

Question 11

Trench Rescue Position/Description - TRT truck company

Answer 11

*Captain - RGS
*Update from IC, ensures initial actions are complete
*Determines priorities
**Vent, dewater, shoring
*Determines rescue plan
*Assign key positions, command vests,
**Squad team leaders, cut TL, rigging TL
*Safety briefing before rescue

Question 12

Trench Rescue Position/Description - Squad Team

Answer 12

*Measures width/depth of trench for struts
*Obtain equip. for initial action
*Don fall protection b4 enter trench
*Comm. exact measurements to cut team
*Sheeting/shoring of trench
*Remove soil
Rig victim for rescue

Question 13

Trench Rescue Position/Description - Cut Team

Answer 13

*Assemble cut station
*Assign runner for each squad team

Question 14

Trench Rescue Position/Description - Rigging Team

Answer 14

*Constructs rigging system for rescue

Question 15

Trench Rescue Position/Description - Hazmat Unit

Answer 15

*Company officer is Grp Sup
*Reports direct to IC
*Works with RGS, Med Grp

Question 16

Trench Rescue Position/Description - Medical Group

Answer 16

*Stages outside of exclusion zone
*Communicates with transport
*Coordinates with rescue personnel for removal of soil or heavy object