BATTALION 14 News & Information

Following the completion of Wednesday's successful Trench Rescue (see post below) members who participated in the incident reviewed their operations in an effort to identify and discuss a number of strategic and tactical concerns. Both Operational and Command concerns were addressed.

Following is a list of "Lessons Learned" compiled from the incident review:

1. Only the minimum number of personnel should be allowed in close vicinity of the trench. Members allowed near the trench should be limited to USAR members directly involved in the rescue, EMS personnel critical to patient care, and support personnel critical to logistical support functions. It may also be important for a limited number of Command personnel to be near the trench however they should not be directly involved in the rescue operation.

2. Support personnel are critical in the initial stages of the rescue. Logistical support, including the procurement, transport and delivery of shoring material, basic and specialized equipment, medical supplies and other materials and equipment necessary for the rescue should be considered a priority by the Incident Commander. Consider assigning on scene companies to these duties or requesting additional resources to accomplish these tasks if necessary and designating an officer to supervise.

3. Assign Medical, Rescue and Scene Safety responsibilities ASAP. 99% of our on scene responsibilities fall into these three areas in this type of incident and by covering these three areas early an Incident Commander can better organize the incident and build toward a successful outcome.

4. Edge protection is a priority and should be implemented by the first units on scene whenever possible. After initial placement the edge protection should be continually monitored by the Safety Officer. Additional protection should be added when necessary depending on changing conditions.

5. An RIC component should always be established. Although there may be sufficient personnel on scene to accomplish this task it is a requirement in this type of incident to designate the RIC companies and place them in an area for rapid deployment.

6. First companies on scene should spot apparatus away from the incident in order to provide direct access to the rescue site for any specialized apparatus.
Example: A Heavy Rescue may need to be placedin close proximity to the trench in order to utilize their boom as a "high point" or provide support to the rescue effort. Open space near the trench may also be needed to provide access for a Vacuum Truck when necessary.