Rescue and Squad Respond on Rescue Task Force Request
 
By Lt Bill Cummings
May 19, 2018
 

The story below is from the Chester County Rescue Task Force Facebook page;

This evening around 6:30 pm, Station 72 units (CCRTF) were dispatched for the Confined Space Rescue Team to assist Station 33 (Honeybrook Fire Company) on an agricultural rescue in Honeybrook Township. 911 calls reported a 3 year old male had fallen into a manure pit on a farm and was unable to get out. The Incident Commander (Deputy 33) advised CCRTF units that the victim was about 6-10’ below grade in a large manure pit inside a large barn. Initial fire crews attempted entry, but quickly became stuck in the product. The IC removed his personnel and maintained visual and verbal contact with the frightened victim. Station 33 crews then began air monitoring and ventilation while awaiting arrival of RTF resources. Rescue 45 (Downingtown FD) and Rescue 47 (Lionville) were the initial CCRTF assets to arrive. Crews assessed the scene and developed an action plan. Two rescuers from Station 47 were placed in dry suits and rope harnesses. They became the entry team, while two more rescuers were geared up as a backup team. Rope tag lines were attached to the entry team. Because of the difficulty maneuvering in the manure, plywood was obtained from the farm and inserted into the pit. This provided a more stable platform from which to work. The entry team quickly reached the victim, removed him from the manure and placed him in a stokes basket. He was removed to the outside and decontaminated and assessed by waiting EMS. He was awake and crying upon removal. Crews spent a considerable amount of time decontaminating personnel and equipment. No injuries to rescue personnel. We wish a speedy recovery to our little victim.

CCRTF Units on scene: Rescue 25 (Longwood), Ladder 25, Rescue 45 (Downingtown), Rescue 47 (Lionville), Rescue 53 (Fame-West Chester), HAZMAT 15 (Chester County HAZMAT). Units from West Whiteland and Wagontown also assisted on this incident.

 
Units: Rescue 53, Squad 53