Rescue in Confined Spaces

By the end of this lesson, cadets should be able to:

List the various types of confined spacesUnderstand the dangers and safety

precautions in confined spaces rescueAble to execute the 6 methods of rescue in

confined space

• Introduction• Definition of confined space• Types of confined space

• Types of confined space rescue• Hazards associated with confined space

rescue• Rescue Evacuation Plan

• Emergency Evacuation Methods• Safety Precautions

o Rescue in confined spaces are dangerous and challenging

o Most hazardous of all rescue activitieso Important to be trained on rescue in confined

spaceso Rescuers’ safety to be of first priority

o Restricted entry and exit

o Not for prolonged human occupancy

COLLAPSED STRUCTURES

SILOS

SEWERS & CLOSED DRAINS

DUCTS

oSelf-Rescue Victim gets himself out of the confined space on

his own, without waiting for the rescuers’ help.

oNon-Entry Rescue Rescuers need not enter the confined space, but

uses equipment such as rope, strap or pole to save the victim.

oEntry Rescue Rescuers have to enter the confined space to save

the victim.

o Hydrogen Sulfideo Carbon Monoxideo Low Oxygen Counto Explosive

Atmosphere

o Slippery ladderso Rusty, unstable walkwayso Inattentiveness due to exhaustion

o Mechanical failure of safety equipments

o Electrical hazards

o Storm sewerso Grain bins

Casualty Assessment & Care

o Approach with care and cautiono If atmosphere is safe, begin primary

assessmento If atmosphere is unsafe, do not entero Ensure personal safety first

o For casualty that does not have injured hand

1)Tie the arms of the casualty securely at both wrists with triangular bandages

2)Kneel astride

3)Pass your head through the arms of the casualty

4)Straighten your arms to lift casualty

5)Drag casualty out by crawling and pushing your feet

o For casualty that has injured hand

1)Pass belt, rope or bandage under casualty near armpits

2)Kneel astride

3)Pass loop over your head

4)Straighten your arms to lift casualty

5)Drag casualty out by crawling and pushing your feet

o For unconscious casualty with minor injuries

1)Lift casualty to a sitting position

2)Sit behind casualty with both legs apart

3)Place casualty’s hands crossed across chest with fingers on shoulders

4)Insert your arm under the casualty’s armpit and hold the outer arm of the casualty

5)Drag casualty out backwards

o To be used only when the previous methods are deemed unsuitable

o Ensure casualty’s head is placed in the direction of the exit

Casualty’s head in the direction of the exit

o To be used only as a last resort in very confined spaces, under life-threatening situations

o Ensure casualty’s legs are placed in the direction of the exit

Casualty’s legs placed in the direction of the exit

o Casualty may be conscious or unconscious, with or without fracture

o Ensure proper safety at all timeso Follow proper procedureso Do not rush into the venue and rescue aloneo Ask for standby support to help or assisto Ventilateo Always stay alert and calm

o Rescue in confined spaces is a dangerous activity

o Always ensure safetyo Save people, not cause more deaths by

following the right procedures