Patterson FD Trench Rescue Operations training

[grumpyff 1,159]

On October 9 and 10, 2010 the Patterson Fire Department took the 16 hour Trench Rescue Operations class offered by Collapse Rescue Systems ( http://collapserescue.com/ ). On the first day of instruction the classroom portion went over various topics such as the OSHA standards (working in a trench versus rescue operations),types of soil, general hazards, proper size up, and how to properly set up trench panels and shoring.

Patterson FD utilizes six panels of 3/4" Finland Form with 2"x10" by 12 foot uprights bolted on,and Paratech rescue struts. The instructors, John O'Connell (FDNY retired R3 and Bill Xikis) also had the class utilize wood in place of the Paratech struts. The class then went to the Patterson Highway Department, where a trench had been dug to have hands on training. Patterson's rescue, 22-6-1 carries six panels, lumber, paratech rescue struts, and various tools(saws, air nailers, etc.) to set up and operate at at a trench rescue. The first evolution involved setting the trench panels and lumber to brace.

Edited October 19, 2010 by grumpyff

[grumpyff 1,159]

First members begin to prep the site to put down ground panels while other members set up power tools and struts in the background.

Assembling the trench panels at the site

The Paratech Rescue Struts

Various power, air and hand tools carried on 22-6-1

Edited October 19, 2010 by grumpyff

[grumpyff 1,159]

Setting the panels in place

With the top wooden brace installed the second piece wooden bracing is installed

An overview of the entire site.

[grumpyff 1,159]

The next evolution utilized the air driven Paratech rescue strut system The struts where lowered into place using webbing and the driven to 200psi, and the collar locked in place by using either the webbing or a pike pole. The strut, once secure is the nailed to the upright.

Two struts in place.

[efdcapt115 1,511]

Nice shot grumpy. I remember when Yonkers came over and gave us this exact drill. The Brothers in the support squads stay proficient in these skills. Thanks for sharing.

[grumpyff 1,159]

On Sunday October 10, 2010 the class involved two scenarios. The scenario was a worker in a trench laying a pipe, and the trench sloughed in, partially burying the worker under some dirt and the pipe.

Size up from the end of the trench

Inserting the panels and struts

Working in the trench , note how crowded the area is with the struts and panels in place

A come along and a sling, anchored to a 6"x6" on top of the panels was used to move the pipe

[grumpyff 1,159]

Removing the victim

to gain more room to operate, whalers can be installed with more struts, and then the original struts may be removed

With the whalers in place, there is a lot more room to work in

The second evolution was a done using timbers in place of the Paratech struts. Thanks for looking

[grumpyff 1,159]

Nice shot grumpy. I remember when Yonkers came over and gave us this exact drill. The Brothers in the support squads stay proficient in these skills. Thanks for sharing.

Thanks Capt. that was one thing discussed in the class, manpower. A lot is going to been needed, especially for long operations. A discussion ensued into other trained resources in the Putnam/Dutchess area, including mention of Yonkers, Danbury, Ct, and resources in Orange County and the Albany area.

[markmets415 524]

Thanks Capt. that was one thing discussed in the class, manpower. A lot is going to been needed, especially for long operations. A discussion ensued into other trained resources in the Putnam/Dutchess area, including mention of Yonkers, Danbury, Ct, and resources in Orange County and the Albany area.

Thanks for sharing as always and it's great seeing the members of the Patterson FD always being proactive with their committment to training.

[FiftyOnePride 100]

Great shots, something great to specialize in. A valuable resource indeed.

[Guest T-34]

Nice Pics

[SageVigiles 1,194]

Good to see the PFD guys are training on the new rescue, all too often Rescues are big trucks with nobody knowing how to use them.

[commonsensejake 6]

Too bad the class was not offered to PFD's immediate neighbors (increase the potential manpower pool). Nice to know at least the equipment exists in Putnam County.

Edited October 20, 2010 by commonsensejake

[TCD0415 26]

The only reason that it was not offered to the neighboring departments was due to the fact that the instructors that were hired by the department and came in to teach it put a cap on the size of the class and it was maxed out by its own members.

Edited October 22, 2010 by TCD0415

[PFDRes47cue 653]

Nice shots. Looks like it was a great drill.

[Hazmatguy 5]

Anyone use the 55 gallon metal drums (opened both ends) to place over the victim in cave in scenarios??? Saw those used in NYC...... quick and effective......