I saw this news photo of a CS Engulfment Rescue and was appalled at the rescue technique.
We may never know the full circumstances behind how this photo happened, but having made several rescues and even more recoveries from confined spaces, I can tell you this SHOULD NEVER occur like this. I know emergency responders have a job and that we do it with a drive most people will never understand, but I would like to think that we have learned that taking unnecessary risks like this can lead to more victims. Affecting a rescue from a pallet on a forklift, 10′ in the air without the first bit of fall protection is unreal.
What makes matters worse is they knew the entrant was dead when this photo was taken (they are pulling him out in the photo).
Again, I do not know all the circumstances behind this incident, but there is no excuse for placing emergency responders at this level of risk. Their jobs have plenty of risks built-in; doing something like this is just UNACCEPTABLE.
No one is driving the forklift, and it appears to be leaning to the left somewhat!
Click Here for the source of the photo and story.
I was sent this other photo regarding this rescue attempt, which shows the team using a platform truck, which can be seen in the photo above. To be “fair” I was asked to post this additional photo. See below. But as a responder and safety professional, I am scratching my head even harder now that I know they had the proper equipment but chose to use a pallet on a forklift. You can also see news footage of the rescue Here.
