Learn about confined space rescues with a firefighting course

• 1 July 2021

Most firefighters will respond to several distress calls throughout their careers that will require a confined space rescue. This type of rescue can become quite complex, which is why taking part in a top-tier firefighting course and training program such as the one offered by us at Emcare is so important. Throughout your firefighting course as well as your early firefighting career, you will learn the ins-and-outs of confined space rescues. In just a few minutes of reading, find out what this type of rescue entails as well as about the firefighting course we offer at Emcare.

First things first, what is a confined space rescue?

 At this point, the concept of a confined space rescue might be extremely foreign to you. Confined space, in general, refers to an area with restricted or limited means of exits or entry points. These areas are usually off-limits to anyone except workers with clear permission to conduct work within the confined space. Those working within typically have extra training or specialisations that have equipped and prepared them to conduct themselves appropriately within the potentially hazardous space.

 Some examples of confined spaces include:

• Pits
• Silos
• Tanks
• Pipes
• Tunnels
• Ducts
• Sewer systems
• Bins
• Caves 

Should a firefighter have adequate training, they will be able to assess the dangers involved in each individual confined space rescue scenario and act accordingly. Taking part in the firefighting course we offer at Emcare will set you on the right path to becoming a pro at confined space rescues.

What does a confined space rescue entail?

While confined rescues are relatively rare compared to other firefighting related calls, there is still a high likelihood of such a rescue being necessary during your typical day on the job as a firefighter. Even though those who work in confined spaces may be trained to deal with the unique threats these situations pose, accidents still happen. These accidents could be physical, mechanical or chemical.

Either way, the need for a rescue in a confined space is always a possibility. This is especially true when it comes to industrial equipment such as tanks, pipes and silos, where the risk of engulfment, exposure to hazardous materials and drowning runs high. There are three main categories of rescues when it comes to confined spaces, being:

• Entry rescue by outside professionals (like firefighters)
• Non-entry rescue
• Rescue by trained professionals from the same company

The first category naturally falls onto the shoulders of the fire or rescue department, when an emergency is explained on behalf of those in the emergency situation through an urgent call. Firefighters will then need to travel to the scene in order to conduct the rescue. Sometimes, a company has their own emergency personnel who are located nearby in case of a pressing situation. In this case, the fire department does not usually become involved.

Regardless, those who do conduct the rescue must have had high-quality confined space rescue training. They will either enter the structure to secure the victims or use non-entry equipment such as ropes to pull the victims out of the space. The second method is often preferable as it does not put the firefighters or rescue personnel at extra risk.

Why is a firefighting course or training program so important for these rescues?

Sending untrained personnel to perform a confined space rescue is a recipe for disaster. They could unknowingly place themselves as well as the victims in even more danger, by causing damage to the structure upon entry, sparking flammable matter and even landing on another victim, for example. This would cause what is known as a “second rescue” situation. This is proven by the fact that around 60% of fatalities that occur during confined space rescues are allegedly those of the rescuers rather than the first victims.

 This is one of many reasons why sufficient training is so important. There are even some firefighting and rescue personnel who may not be so familiar with confined space rescues, which means that should the need arise, they will be unable to help and will only be able to stand idly by. This will not bode well for the rest of their careers.

What goes into a firefighting course for confined space rescue?

 A sufficient firefighting course or training program will include the specifics of confined space rescue. This will include learning about:

 Confined space rescue equipment and how to use it

• Different types of rescue plans
• Hazard awareness and safety precautions
• The significance of a good response time

 At Emcare, we offer a full range of firefighting training courses as well as an entire course relating to confined space rescue. For your knowledge throughout the rest of the read, be advised that we offer the following relevant courses:

 Basic fire awareness course

• Basic firefighting course
• Advanced firefighting course
• Firefighter 1 SP and hazmat awareness course
• Firefighter 2 SP and hazmat operations SP course
• Hazardous material handling course
• Confined space entry course

A firefighting course in confined space rescue focuses on rescue plans

Rescue plans are an enormous part of a firefighting course that addresses confined space training, primarily because there is so much that needs to be considered when it comes to creating and executing a rescue plan. Coming up with a rescue plan focuses on coordinating both the people who stay on the surface as well as those that enter the confined space, as well as how to execute a rescue operation in as safe a manner as possible.

As already mentioned, creating a rescue plan that prioritises an equipment-only, non-entry plan is always a good one. This limits risking the lives of more people if one can help it. Unfortunately, this is not always a possibility. A firefighting team cannot delve into a confined space rescue situation without assessing every aspect and being completely behind each plan, no matter how long it may take.

However, taking part in a firefighting course as well as being a practicing firefighter will help any candidate build the skills needed to think fast and think reasonably. The time it takes to come up with a responsible plan is also of the utmost importance, and can mean the difference between life and death. Another part of rescue planning is communication, a lot of which will be learned during your firefighting course, wherein you will be taught communication skills that will help you through your career.

During your training and first few years on the job, you will learn that any good confined space rescue plan must include the following:

1. An assessment of all hazards in the area of operation, as well as those in the confined space below
2. Familiarisation with correct training procedures as background knowledge that reflects in the rescue plan
3. Determining the best way to enter the confined space if it is needed, as well as which strategy to use
4. Which pieces of equipment to use in order to achieve the best results.

The two types of rescue plans you will learn about in your firefighting course

Sadly, going into a firefighting career will undoubtedly expose you to tragic fatalities, especially when it comes to rescue operations. Oftentimes, a confined space rescue will yield nothing other than retrieving the body of a victim so that loved one’s can properly mourn them. A victim losing their life is often the result of falling, lack of oxygen, unsafe atmospheric conditions or engulfment if involved in a tank or silo accident. Firefighters must be able to establish two different types of plans because oftentimes victims will not be alive to cooperate with the rescue efforts.

The first type of rescue plan is the offensive plan. This plan is applicable where there is a live victim to rescue, in a scenario where there are controllable hazards. In this situation, the crew is at minimal risk and the chances that lives can be saved is relatively high. The defensive plan, on the other hand, heavily emphasises the safety of the crew, as there is usually no chance of saving the victim. This plan focuses on recovering a body and doing so in a manner that limits the possibility of harm to crew members in a very hazardous circumstance.

Learning about the equipment needed for confined space rescues in your firefighting course

During your relevant firefighting course, you will learn all about confined space rescue equipment. There are various items of safety equipment firefighters need to execute a confined space rescue. In the case of a non-entry rescue, for example, firefighters may need to utilise a tripod and even a winch in order to pull a victim from the confined space as well as keep the rescue rope system stable.

This set-up would likely be used in a circumstance where the confined space is a direct vertical drop into a silo, pit or tank type of structure. In this situation, the team will work with the pieces of equipment to raise and lower whatever tools are needed to pull out the victim. Should a firefighter be required to enter the confined space themselves, however, they will need to utilise a very strong harness as well as whatever additional personal protective equipment is deemed necessary for the particular situation. For example, hard hats, safety glasses, gloves and respirators.

Learning about all confined space hazards and precautions in your firefighting course

During the confined space rescue segment of your firefighting course or other relevant training program, you will learn about all about the hazards and precautions associated with this type of rescue. First one must consider the structure itself. The possibility that the structure may become damaged or collapse is ever-present. In the case of the latter, a rescue in confined spaces such as vents or tunnels may become highly complicated and may require advanced planning and techniques.

Trained firefighters will know to question whether the confined space structure will actually be able to hold the equipment needed for both a non-entry and entry rescue operation. In addressing different confined space structures in training, firefighters will come to know the particular hazards that different confined spaces present. For example, when working a rescue in an industrial space, firefighters will know that the possibility of dangerous chemicals or gas leaks present in the space is high.

One of the most important lessons you will learn during your firefighting course and training will be the skill of adaptation. Mastering this skill will set you apart from other applicants and will prove highly helpful when coming face to face with new and unique hazards in the working world during rescues that require immediate and specific precautions.

 

Training with Emcare

Given the intricacies of confined space rescues, of which we have only touched on in this brief article, you should now be able to fully understand why training is so essential. Choosing to take part in a firefighting course with Emcare ensures that you will be trained by seasoned professionals as well as offered top-tier theoretical and practical knowledge that will set you on the path of success to your firefighting career.