Brandon Twp. – The victim was buried in dirt up to his knees’stuck at the bottom of an eight-foot ditch.
Within an hour Brandon firefighters and the Ortonville Department of Public Works crew safely lifted the victim from the chasm? a successful conclusion.
This time the rescue involved only a practice dummy, but for six departments from northern Oakland County along with the Ortonville DPW the trench training may save a life someday.
On July 10 and ll the basic training course, at Brandon Township-owned property near Seymour Lake Road focused on trench rescue.
Miles of trenches are dug everyday in Oakland County but without proper equipment even a shallow trench can become deadly for both the victim and the rescuer.
Brandon Fire Chief Bob McArthur said proper precautions in digs, such as wooden shoring panels can mean the difference between life and death.
‘Several rescues are made without proper equipment and procedure training which is extremely life- threatening for both the individual and the rescuer,? McArthur said.
Several years ago an Ortonville man was killed in an Oxford trench dig.
Oxford Fire Chief Jack LeRoy said the man was digging when the walls caved in. The mandated Occupational Safety and Health Administration reinforcement standard was not followed, says LeRoy.
‘It was fatal,? said LeRoy. ‘When proper equipment is not used it eventually catches up.?
While there are up to four cave-ins per year in Oakland County, McArthur said very few departments are properly equipped for the rescues, often performing extractions in violation of OSHA standards.
Brandon’s recent purchase of pneumatic support devices and paneling, combined with the training issued by FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) trench experts, makes Brandon the most fully equipped station for the safest possible trench rescue in north Oakland County.
‘The training is expensive, it makes me cringe,? said McArthur. ‘But we have to do it not only for the safety of the victim but for our guys as well.
‘Our equipment is specialized, making the procedure more efficient and with the DPW guys trained, that’s great.?
Especially grateful for the safety training, DPW Supervisor Shane Eliassen said he and his crew are better equipped to deal with the recent storm drain excavations throughout the village.
‘It was very interesting and nice to work hands-on with the fire department.? Eliassen said.
‘Procedures will need to be followed (according to the training) with the right equipment to get the job done,? said Eliassen.
‘The most important thing is we realize how dangerous even a shallow trench is, and that we know our limits.?