In this month’s installment, we are going to start covering the void search and shoring operations associated with victim search at the collapse scene. Once again, it is not my intent to replace formal training in shoring; there are consistently changing methods and techniques that are evolving in this field, so it is wise to enroll in a solid hands-on application training class that provides the groundwork for building shoring.
The intent of this discussion is to provide some trained insight as to the steps and materials necessary to begin this phase of the operation. At this time, the Reconnaissance team has completed their findings and surface area rescues are completed or are being completed, and further exploration into the “pile” is necessary to account for all of the reported victims that were present prior to the collapse (photo 1).
Determine where to search
While the surface area search is ongoing, rescuers will be deployed into hard to reach areas with specialized tools and resources to find entombed and pinned victims who are beneath the surface (photo 2). Canine teams, search cams, and other devices can sense the vicinity of trapped victims and provide the rescue teams with starting points to begin victim location and disentanglement. Confirming the locations of victims with multiple resources increases the potential of success (photos 3, 4).
These locations result in the development of voids within the rubble that must be thoroughly combed for signs of life and victim recovery. It is critical that the voids in question have to be supported as the search is progressing, and that will be dependent on the types of voids that result from the collapse. Once it is confirmed there is a victim located within the void, the void is marked (photo 5) to identify the number of victims, the disposition of the victims, if possible, the severity of risk involved (shoring needs of the void/space), the best access into the space, and any hazards associated within the void that needs to be addressed (utility issues, atmospheric hazards, biological issues, etc.).
Types of voids to be searched
Collapsed debris can result in varying types of voids and, based upon the settling of debris, the location of the victim in relation to the void can vary. Some of these voids are created by the following collapses:
LEAN-TO: This type of collapse occurs when one side of the wall/floor support system fails and the floor collapses on one side, with the edge of the floor resting on the rubble pile or debris at the far end of the collapse (photo 6). Victims are commonly located near the remaining load-bearing wall or outside wall.
V-SHAPE: This type of collapse occurs when the center of the flooring system becomes overloaded beyond the capacity of the support system and fails in the middle, sending debris and rubble into the center of the compartment (photo 7). Victims are commonly located near the outer load-bearing walls or floor support.
PANCAKE: This type of collapse occurs when flooring support systems fail on both sides of the floor, sending the entire floor downward, commonly as a single unit (photo 8). Voids can be located anywhere in this type of collapse, due to debris, furniture or other materials becoming supportive of the weight of the floor.
CANTILEVER: This is the MOST DANGEROUS type of collapse to operate in. In this type of collapse, one side of the wall/floor support system fails, but unlike the Lean-To collapse, the edge of the floor does not fall down to the ground (photo 9). The remaining suspended floor section is held in place solely by the connection at the opposite wall/floor support system.
A-FRAME: This type of collapse occurs when both flooring support systems fail on the sides of the floor; however, the area in the center of the floor section is supported from the underside by a wall, large piece of furniture or some other type of material (photo 10). In this type of collapse, the voids are located near the center of the floor area, away from the outer load bearing walls.
Shoring needs will vary based upon the type of collapse and the resting place of the debris encountered in the void. At a minimum, two or three sections of wood should be carried with the search tem to throw a makeshift spot shore where needed, until a more secure shore can be constructed in place. Additionally, some rescue teams are equipped with tubular metal strut systems that can be erected into various types of shoring systems. Once in place, wood shoring systems can be erected around the metal strut system, and the metal struts can be taken down, leaving the wood systems in place for the duration of the event (photo 11). Always be cognizant that the shoring put in place in the void has to be strong enough to support the load of the debris, yet be spacious enough to pass a packaged victim through the system for removal.
Search support operations
Keep in mind that the building’s “Gravity Resistance System” has now been defeated; therefore, a structural engineer is recommended to be on-scene and at times tagging along with the rescue team to identify problematic areas and where shoring is needed and what type is best suited for that space. With wood shoring needed, a cut station will need to be set into motion, and logistical needs including wood, nails, tools, hammers, saws, electrical power, fuel, and assorted carpentry tools will have to be acquired. Tunneling their way further through the void, rescuers will need a consistent supply of tools, equipment, and fresh ventilation to keep the work area safe while searching for further trapped victims. Additional support operations will be underway as well, including, but not limited to, atmospheric monitoring, lighting, transportation of equipment and relief personnel, Advanced Life Support (ALS) personnel working alongside rescuers to provide treatment throughout the incident, and medical transport to the nearest trauma center.
Conclusion
Special operations incidents can tax departments and responders based upon their size, complexity, and requirements. Building collapse operations can add complexity and additional concerns that will need to be addressed to free the victim. Void searching operations, and extrication and disentanglement techniques add significant risk to an already precarious situation, and safety cannot be compromised during this operation. Continued support in the form of apparatus, personnel and logistical equipment must be in place and free flowing to ensure success in retrieving these entombed victims. Do not become complacent about the significant potential for secondary collapse; you are now within the pile, and can easily become a victim yourself.
Until next time, stay focused and stay safe.
MICHAEL DALEY serves with Monroe Township, NJ, Fire District No. 3 as a lieutenant and is a member of New Jersey Task Force 1. He earned the Master Fire Instructor certification from the ISFSI and is an instructor at the Middlesex County Fire Academy where he developed rescue training curriculum. He is a managing member of Fire Service Performance Concepts.
