This month we will continue our discussion regarding building collapse with a look at the different types of building construction, and some specific collapse inherent hazards that are associated with each type. We will also examine different types of collapse patterns that result from the failure of the building's "gravity resistance system," and the problems that each present to the rescuer.
Rope rescue techniques are the dominant skill set needed to effect a rescue in most technical rescue scenarios. As with any rope operation, organization of the rescue operation combined with rope proper systems will play a major role in a successful rescue. As with any rescue operations, proper planning and foresight throughout the operation will play a key role.
In the world of hazardous materials response and especially involving hazmat chemistry, there is a revolution occurring. It is not just a quiet revolution; in fact, it is an up-roar. Responders across the country are singing the praises of a new way to look at hazmat chemistry that is called the "HazMat IQ" system. The reason is simple; responders can see immediate application of the material to their response world. Essentially, the HazMat IQ system has broken highly complex chemistry down to only what is needed to safely function in the field.
In the last two articles, we focused on the foundation of mechanical advantage systems (MAS). We also touched on both anchor and belay systems. By now you should have a good base of knowledge regarding these topics so we'll dive into some of them a little deeper.
Our main focus in this article is going to be anchor systems. Simply put, without a good anchor system nothing else is possible.
Today's emergency responder will find themselves responding to a more diverse assortment of alarms. It would not be uncommon for initial responding units to find themselves "first due" to a reported structural collapse. Without proper training and preparation, these responders will find themselves inadequately prepared for this type of operation. This month, we will focus our attention on collapse planning and preparation, common safety issues, collapse assessment, and response considerations.
As promised, in this article we will look at anchor and belay systems in relation to mechanical advantage systems (MAS). We'll also explore how to simply figure out what a mechanical advantage system's value is by simply looking at it.
First, let's briefly review the three different types of MAS.
The first being the simple MAS. In these systems, all the moving pulleys move towards the anchor at the same speed. An example would be a simple 4:1 and a 4:1 block & tackle system.
The changing times in our society today has resulted in the alteration of the roles of the Nation's emergency responders. Today's rescuers can find themselves on the front lines at a Special Operations Incident. Moreover, the long-term success at these incidents relies on the actions of the "first-in" responders and managers. With this in mind, it is important to be able to identify the needs of the special operations incident, some common elements of the incident, training needs of the responders, and operational conceptual needs of the incident.
Last month, we discussed the initial response, hazard recognition and mitigation points for the scene of a trench collapse. This month, we are continuing our discussion in the arenas of response size-up, various types of shoring and their applications and additional support operations that may be necessary on-scene. It should be noted that the trench rescue scene is a dynamic arena; things can change at a moment's notice.
Welcome
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In the past, workers and would-be rescuers have become caught and, in some cases, killed needlessly in trenches that have collapsed suddenly, and with little to no warning.
It has become commonplace that the public relies a great deal on the local emergency services to handle these incidents. With that in mind, this month we prepare a safe and efficient response.
