(Le Mars) — Imagine these scenarios…an earth moving construction crew is digging a trench to install a sewer line into a new development area, or city water department crews are needing to repair a broken water main, or perhaps a contractor is removing dirt creating a basement for a new home. Any one of these examples, and several others, could possibly lead to the collapse of the dirt wall causing a person to be buried in a trench. The Le Mars Fire and Rescue Department spent the better part of the weekend, a total of 11 hours, conducting training for such a trench rescue scenario. Fire Chief Dave Schipper says Le Mars had a lot of construction in 2016, and 2017 will have even more construction, creating the possible danger. Schipper says its not “if” a trench collapses, but perhaps “when” it happens. The Le Mars Fire Chief says its important for the community to have the members of the fire and rescue department be adequately trained for the scenario. Don Ashenfelter was one of the instructors conducting the trench rescue training. He says there were 56 trench rescues reported last year, which was doubled from the previous year. Ashenfelter explains the training process with the Le Mars Fire and Rescue Department.
The trench rescue instructor explains before a rescue can take place, its vitally important to make certain the scenario is stabilized.
Ashenfelter says when trench rescues are performed, one of the most important factors to consider is the air quality.
Ashenfelter says most people have the false belief that if a trench collapses, then the danger is over, and the rescue can begin without any further thought of additional danger. However, he says that is not the case.
The Le Mars Fire and Rescue Department were able to conduct their trench rescue training from a specially made trailer.
