Confined space rescue is a subset of technical rescue operations that involves the rescue and recovery of victims trapped in a confined space or in a place only accessible through confined spaces, such as underground vaults, storage silos, storage tanks, or sewers.
Confined spaces are often narrow and constricting, preventing easy access by rescuers, making confined space rescues technically challenging;. The spaces are usually unlit or poorly lit, requiring a light source to be provided. Confined spaces may contain hazardous materials in liquid or gas form, and oxygen may be limited.
These hazards can be fatal as they create a limited window of time in which to perform a rescue. After four minutes without oxygen a person will usually suffer asphyxia causing brain damage or death.[1] The urgent need to rescue someone from a confined space often leads to ill-prepared rescue attempts. Two-thirds of all deaths occurring in confined spaces are attributed to persons attempting to rescue someone else.[1]
- ^ a b "Is It Safe To Enter A Confined Space?" (PDF). Cal-OSHA. 1998. Retrieved September 1, 2006.