Progressive lifting

Trench rescue approach

The greatest risk to the approaching rescuers is a secondary
Always lift with a good overview of the situation. Small lifting
collapse leading to the rescuer becoming trapped in the trench. The
actions in one area can dramatically affect the structure elsewhere.
following approach aims to minimize this risk.
Ladder(s) for acces. Inner or action circle for rescuers
directly involved.
Atmospheric monitoring and
necessary ventilation.
Secondarry zone reserved for
all other emergency service
Low pressure bag used for backfill personnel. All non-emergency
behind shoring. service persons should be kept
clear of these two zones.
Staging area for additional
secondary shoring material.
Shoring board used as edge
Shoring planks. padding.
Shoring boards.

The procedure The procedure

Rescuers should never move

into an un-shored trench.

1 Start by ensuring all necessary lifting

equipment is readily available. This equipment
should ideally be staged close by. 1 Always approach the trench from the head,
with caution, using edge padding to spread
your weight over the ground.

2 After placing a ladder in the trench at the head,

encourage those in the trench who are not
2 Create an opening for your high
entrapped to leave the trench.
pressure lifting bag(s). In many cases this
is best done with a hydraulic wedge.

The space created by the hydraulic wedge Once contact has been made
should be secured using wedge blocks. with a conscious patient this
contact should never be broken.

Never place your fingers under or near a load being lifted.

3 In the meantime, other members of the team

can begin to place boards at the edge of the
3 Now slide your lifting bag into place. This is trench so as to spread the weight of rescuers
best done with a wedge block against the bag who will be working there.
so that your fingers are not in danger.
Always position your bag(s) completely (past It may also be necessary to position more
the center of the bag) under the load before ladders to allow escape for those remaining
inflating. in the trench or for any rescuers that may
accidentally fall in during rescue efforts.

All lifted loads should always be backed up using blocks, Never approach the edge of a trench without edge
wedge blocks or a mechanically locked shoring system. padding in place no matter how stable it might seem.

4 It may also be necessary to clear the soil pile

4 As the lifting bag is inflated, the progression from close to the edge to allow access.
to the next lifting tool can be considered.
In this case the logical progression is to a lifting After doing this, always place boards on the
jack. ground to help spread the weight.

5 Perform gas monitoring

continuously and provide
5 If the lifting bag needs to be left in place, a necessary ventilation.
shut-off hose with a safety valve should
be used.

6 Finally, your trench rescue equipment should

be staged in a specific order, allowing quick
and easy access to the tools required.
6 Larger lifting bags can also be backed up using
automatic follow-up shoring.

As seen in
7 Always be extra cautious when lifting loads
“Holmatro’s Emergency Shoring
at angles. Be sure that your lifting action
will not cause & Lifting Techniques”
the load to shift
uncontrollably.
This is best
controlled by
www.holmatro.com
good chocking.

© Copyright 10-2009 This poster shows information on rescue tools and rescue techniques that can be employed in different emergency situations. The situations shown on this poster are examples only and are merely meant to assist the user of this poster in understanding certain basic rescue extrication techniques and rescue tools available. Each accident is unique. Variables such as the number and condition
Holmatro Rescue Equipment BV of patients and external hazards all play a role in determining the appropriate actions and their sequence. It is important to note that you should always read and understand the manual for the relevant rescue tools, use the standard operating procedures and follow the instructions of your department and incident commanders. The extrication scene is inherently hazardous. Your personal
The Netherlands safety depends on the training provided by your agency, your use of the appropriate personal protective equipment and your understanding of the rescue equipment you or your agency utilizes. It is YOUR responsibility to read and understand all operation manuals associated with your rescue equipment, receive appropriate training in its use, and ensure that it is properly maintained.
All rights reserved Your failure to take all of these steps may lead to death or severe personal injury of victims, yourself or any body else at the emergency scene. Holmatro disclaims any liability for any damage or injury, whether direct, indirect or otherwise, and whether asserted in contract, tort, warranty or otherwise, incurred as a result of the use of rescue techniques and/or rescue tools described on this
HR Tilburg nr. 18118682 poster or the use of any other rescue techniques and/or rescue tools that are employed in an actual emergency situation, except to the extent, and limited to, the terms of any warranty provided by Holmatro for its own equipment. Holmatro makes no warranty, express or implied, with respect to its own equipment from the contents of this poster, including without limitation, any warranty
art.nr. 980.000.299 of merchantability or warranty of fitness for a particular purpose.