Rescue Equipment
Due to the unique nature of confined space rescues, there is specialized equipment necessary to perform a safe and successful rescue.
One of the initial pieces of equipment employed in a confined space is a method of ventilation to disperse collected hazardous gasses and introduce fresh air into the environment.
A wristlet is often the first item used to actually perform the rescue, as opposed to the ventilator which is used to prepare the environment for a rescue. A wristlet is a cloth strap that is used to cinch tightly around the wrist or ankle of an incapacitated person. Once the strap is looped around a hand or foot, its attached rope is pulled by rescuers, tightening around the arm or leg and pulling the victim out of the confined space.
In the event that an entry rescue must be performed, rescue personnel will wear protective clothing appropriate for the situation. This may include a self contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), protective headgear and the use of explosion proof lighting (to prevent igniting any gases). The rescuer may also wear a full body harness with an attached safety line, especially if a vertical descent is required. To assist in vertical descents, a mechanical winch and tripod may be set up over the access point, if the bottom of the confined space is more than five feet from the entrance.
The rescuers may also carry monitoring equipment by which they can ascertain the quality of the air in the environment. Even if the air quality reading does not indicate any hazardous conditions, it is still recommended that rescuers wear SCBA.
Read more about this topic: Confined Space Rescue
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