Firefighters from the Eureka Fire Department and Humboldt Fire District No. 1 participated in training Wednesday to make sure they don't become one of those statistics.
The firefighters are taking part in a 32-hour class at the Pacific Gas and Electric Co. power plant in King Salmon, which began Monday and is scheduled to be completed today.
"If the rescuer becomes the victim, they become part of the problem," said Lisa Pulver of the Eureka Fire Department.
Statistics from the U.S. Fire Academy reveal that between 1990 and 2000, 5 percent of the firefighters who died on duty were taking part in confined space rescues.
Fire Capt. Chris Kemp of the Humboldt Fire Protection District said some examples of confined spaces are storm drains and dry wells.
Kemp said the approach to the rescue isn't determined until they arrive on scene.
"Our priority is to define the survival profile of the victim," Kemp said.
Once rescuers know if they're dealing with hazardous conditions, like fumes or obstacles, the rescue begins.
Firefighter Michael Landry of the Fire District was lowered into an access area below ground Wednesday. A training dummy was lying below in the mud.
Landry, equipped with specialized breathing equipment, quickly harnessed the dummy and it was raised to safety. Landry was then brought back to the surface using a winch-like device.
"It was fun," Landry said. "It's a little eerie down there, but I know I have a lot of good guys on top."
Kemp said the department trains for confined space rescues up to four times a year.
