Note: For more specific incident command and technical detail see departmental SOPs_____. Members shall operate at the appropriate level of knowledge, skills, and abilities as provided in awareness, operations, and technician level training. 

The following tasks should be performed at the scene of all Technical Rescue Incidents:

• Establish command
• Secure and isolate the area
• Identify and secure utilities (if possible)
• Evaluate the need for additional resources
• Determine rescue vs. recovery
• Secure Responsible Party (if possible)
• Don appropriate PPE for the situation

In addition to the above items the following tasks should be performed:

STRUCTURAL COLLAPSE

• While operating at a structural collapse take care to ensure that no personnel are committed to an unsafe structure
• Be alert for the potential for secondary collapse
• Control and extinguish fires
• Establish an observation platform by positioning an aerial platform at the front of the building
• Assign police to perimeter control and assist with victim accountability
• Assess structural stability of adjoining structures
• Perform initial recon (identify type of structure, use, and possible victims)
• Remove surface victims first

CONFINED SPACE

• Attempt an initial contact with victim(s)
• Deploy a reconnaissance team to evaluate opening, number of victims, and entrapment – non-entry
• If possible, undertake a non-entry rescue
• Entry with standard SCBA may be made if NFPA 1670 operations level requirements are met
• Gather information on the location, number, and position of victims
• Obtain blueprints, maps, or sketches of the space if possible

ROPE RESCUE

• Use only as a last resort – consider all other means of access and egress first
• Gain access to a location above the patient
• If possible, place an aerial ladder in a location where victims can be accessed
• Contact victims with intercom or megaphone to advise help is imminent
• At the Incident Commander’s discretion either prepare to access the victim and stabilize prior to removal or await arrival of Technical Rescue Team and support as needed

TRENCH RESCUE

For detailed information on trench see trench and excavation collapse in section 2000

• Approach trench from ends
• Consider the effects of vehicles/heavy equipment on the stability of the trench and spoil pile
• Under no circumstances should anyone enter an unprotected trench
• Assess the number of victims and their location
• Place at least one ladder into the trench for emergency egress
• Place ground pads around the perimeter of the trench
• Assist victims in self-rescue if possible
• Ventilate trench