Copyright 10-2009Holmatro Rescue Equipment BVThe NetherlandsAll rights reservedHR Tilburg nr. 18118682

As seen inHolmatros Emergency Shoring

& Lifting Techniques

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A location for rapid safe area creation should be chosen based on where the patient(s) is / are located.

Trench rescue: rapid safe area creation

STRUT CHOICE: A good strut type for this application is any Auto-lock type strut.

The procedure

art.nr. 980.000.300

Trench Terminology

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Position the shoring team with one rescuer on the limited access side (where the soil pile normally is) and at least two on the working side.

From the working side, position the first shoring plank into the toe on the opposite (limited access) side of the trench.

This shoring plank should be left lying against the edge of the working side of the trench.

Now slide the first shoring board over the shoring plank already in place.

Next pass the shoring plank and board together to the limited access side of trench. These can then be held in place by the one rescuer on the limited access side of the trench.

From the working side place the second shoring plank into the toe of the working side of the trench.

Again from the working side, slide the second shoring board into place using the shoring plank to guide it into the working side toe.

After doing this the shoring plank can be handed back to the working side. 8

9 While the shoring planks and boards are being positioned, the first shores can be configured, based on the width of the trench.

10 Using ropes lower the first shore to the bottom of the trench no more than 0.6 m / 2 ft. from the floor. Then extend the shore enough to hold it in place using the required system.

The advantage of an Auto-lock type strut is that it will lock in place without a rescuer having to move into the trench.

11 Now check for the need to backfill with soil or lifting bags in any spaces left between the shoring boards and the walls of the trench. After doing this the shore can be extended.

Locking is achieved automatically when using an Auto-lock type strut.

Never enter a trench that is not completely shored with a mechanically locked system.

12 The same procedure should be followed for the top shore. The top shore should not be positioned more than 0.6 m / 2 ft. below the edge of the trench.

There should not be more than 1.2 m / 4 ft. between shores. If necessary, more than two levels of shoring may need to be used.

15 Until the shores are nailed in place, all ropes used to lower the shores should be secured above.

In some cases it may be necessary to replace your emergency shoring with other secondary shores such as wood or simple industrial type shores. This is normally seen in long trenches where multiple safe areas need to be created.

Shores that do not lock automatically should be locked starting with the top shore as rescuers move into the safe area created. Hoses of locked shores can be removed.

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At the same time, nailing the shores in place can begin.

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Pass the top of this shoring plank to the limited access side where it should be rested against the shoring plank and board already in place.

Working side

Head

Edge

Toe

Toe

Toe

Edge

Floor

Soil Pile

Limited acces side

Wall

This poster shows information on rescue tools and rescue techniques that can be employed in different emergency situations. The situations shown on this poster are examples only and are merely meant to assist the user of this poster in understanding certain basic rescue extrication techniques and rescue tools available. Each accident is unique. Variables such as the number and condition of patients and external hazards all play a role in determining the appropriate actions and their sequence. It is important to note that you should always read and understand the manual for the relevant rescue tools, use the standard operating procedures and follow the instructions of your department and incident commanders. The extrication scene is inherently hazardous. Your personal safety depends on the training provided by your agency, your use of the appropriate personal protective equipment and your understanding of the rescue equipment you or your agency utilizes. It is YOUR responsibility to read and understand all operation manuals associated with your rescue equipment, receive appropriate training in its use, and ensure that it is properly maintained. Your failure to take all of these steps may lead to death or severe personal injury of victims, yourself or any body else at the emergency scene. Holmatro disclaims any liability for any damage or injury, whether direct, indirect or otherwise, and whether asserted in contract, tort, warranty or otherwise, incurred as a result of the use of rescue techniques and/or rescue tools described on this poster or the use of any other rescue techniques and/or rescue tools that are employed in an actual emergency situation, except to the extent, and limited to, the terms of any warranty provided by Holmatro for its own equipment. Holmatro makes no warranty, express or implied, with respect to its own equipment from the contents of this poster, including without limitation, any warranty of merchantability or warranty of fi tness for a particular purpose.