BATTALION 14 News & Information

On Wednesday, May 24, Battalion 14 responded with a full Physical Rescue Assignment, including USAR support, to a report of a civilian trapped in a collapsed trench on Woodman Avenue in Fire Station 102s District.

Companies assigned included LF 102, LF 39, E 78, HR 56, EMS 14, E 288, USAR 88, RA 88, LF 89, BC 10, E 88, EMS 10 and DIV 3.

Light Force 102 was first to arrive on scene and found a 25 year old man who had been installing a sewer line at a construction site partially buried in a four foot deep trench.

The members of LF 102, assisted by additional first responders, immediately began to establish a safe working area around the trench including edge protection and administered first aid to the victim. Battalion 14 requested dispatch of a Vacuum Truck enroute based on the initial reports from the units on scene.

As specialized resources began to arrive on scene, including USAR 88 and Heavy Rescue 56, Battalion 14 assigned responsibilities in 3 key areas: Medical (Battalion 10 / Cisneros), Rescue (USAR 88 / Gikas) and Scene Safety (LF 89 / Rubino).

Firefighters worked rapidly to shore the trench and remove the collapsed soil that covered the victim to the shoulder level. Rescuers who initially used their bare hands to remove dirt transitioned to the USAR Trench Certified members who used "Air Knives" to loosen the soil for rapid removal. The USAR Rescue Group members were teamed and rotated throughout the operation.

With the arrival of Division 3 Commander Roderick Garcia Battalion 14 Commander Evan Williams was transitioned to assume command of the Rescue Group. The Medical Group Leader assigned USAR certified Rescue 88 to handle EMS duties in the trench and Rescue 78, backed by Assessment Engine 78, to handle out of trench EMS duties and patient transport to the hospital.

The injured workman was removed from the trench in approximately 35 minutes and transported in critical condition to Providence Holy Cross Medical Center .

A complete slide show of the incident can be seen by clicking here.

Additional information can be found on the excellent LAFD News & Information site by clicking here.

Following the incident, on scene units conducted a review of operations performed and Lessons Learned. Look for those Lessons Learned to be posted on this site ASAP.

To all of the members who worked together to make this rescue a success....We salute you!