Trench Rescue Training with Chester County Rescue Task Force
 
By Member Bill Cummings
June 21, 2016
 

This evening, Rescue 53, Squad 53 with Collapse Trailer 2, Utility 53 with Collapse Trailer 1 participated in refresher training with other CCRTF Trench Rescue personnel in the trench prop at the Chester County Public Safety Training Campus in South Coatesville. Fame trench technicians joined other technicians from Stations 35 (Wagontown), 38 (Thorndale), 47 (Lionville), and 68 (Valley Forge). Crews reviewed equipment layout in the Collapse Trailers and then "rescued" a victim trapped in an L-shaped trench. Personnel utilized Paratech Long Shore struts, trench panels and strong backs and the Arizona Vortex as an artificial high point to remove the "victim" from the trench.

This training opportunity helped crews from all CCRTF companies integrate and become more familiar with each other. It also allowed us to spend time with ropes and rigging equipment too.


Photos by Assistant Chief Kevin Corcoran and Wagontown Fire Company
 
Units: R-53; Sq-53; UTL-53; Collapse Trailer 53-1 and 53-2
 
Mutual Aid: Rescues 35, 38, 47 and 68
 
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Crews attaching ropes to trench panels.
Crews attaching ropes to trench panels.
 
Rescue Task Force Leader Corcoran (green vest) reviews game plan with Squad Leader (red vest).
Rescue Task Force Leader Corcoran (green vest) reviews game plan with Squad Leader (red vest).
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Equipment from Rescue 53 being moved to equipment staging area.
Equipment from Rescue 53 being moved to equipment staging area.
Crews from CCRTF companies review equipment prior to start of evolution.
Crews from CCRTF companies review equipment prior to start of evolution.
 
Fame and CCRTF Trench technicians position initial set of panels to protect the "victim".
Fame and CCRTF Trench technicians position initial set of panels to protect the "victim".
Securing the elbow of the L-trench.
Securing the elbow of the L-trench.
 
While one squad of technicians safe the trench another squad prepares the rope system and high directional (Arizona Vortex) for victim removal.
While one squad of technicians safe the trench another squad prepares the rope system and high directional (Arizona Vortex) for victim removal.