These incidents of people sleeping in trash bins and becoming entrapped in vehicles are more common than most realize. Also vehicle operators can become entrapped. Of his four past incidents one involved the driver of a recycling truck climb up on top to find the compactor was jammed. The driver had not locked out the vehicle hydraulic controls. Upon trying to dislodge the cardboard his lower extremities were crushed and trapped.
In recent years, there have been several similar incidents of people being trapped inside garbage trucks around the country. Today Chief Frank Leeb, FDNY Deputy Assistant Chief released a Tips from Training & Safety bulletin based on the significance of the incident, the national media blitz, and firefighters from across the United States reaching out and sharing similar incidents.
Special thanks to Chief Frank Leeb for his leadership in producing and sharing the information for firefighter to learn within his organization, and nationwide. Firefighters must be alert and learn about incidents from beyond their geographic borders. We should always be learning and sharing regardless of the size of the fire department where we are employed in both career of volunteer agencies. This best prepares you when this type of incident then becomes your own. We are all in this together.
Chief Isakson offers the following learning points based on his four previous responses to this type of incident, most critical is the need for a continuous size up and an objective evaluation of progress. An After Action Review is critically important. Chief Isakson reports learning points on each incident and always reflects on things he wished were done different.
- Remember that the trash in a dumpster has a higher probability of being more hazardous than a residential trash can.
- From a life safety perspective, these incidents require early Advanced Life Support intervention. Also consider early notification to your closest Trauma Center Surgeon in case a field amputation could become necessary.
- Lock Out Tag Out of Vehicle Controls and Mechanical Hydraulic System Controls. Lock Out Tag Out of every possible caution is recommended. Trash Truck Mechanic Notification and Scene Response Request.
- Recognize the need for asynchronous coordination of Rescue Extrication with Patient Care. The most recent incident earlier this week required ALS care while performing an extensive extrication, coupled with letting hydraulic fluid slowly drain to control the release rate of the hydraulics crushing the patients lower extremities.
- Significant extrication, utilizing almost every possible tool. Tools beyond a normal set of hydraulic rescue tools utilized during auto extrication. Use of multiple hydra rams working together to obtain purchase points with wedges.
- Utilization of Aerial Ladder, Tower Ladder, and Ground Ladders. Tower Ladder is the preferred method. The most recent incident utilized an Aerial Ladder and but a Tower Ladder would have been beneficial.
- Ground ladders are essential, and we have found that numerous ladders on both sides, butted up against each other is helpful. Ladders placed across the top of the vehicle to create a platform may be required depending on tool staging.
TRAINING & SAFETY BULLETIN
- The majority of these incidents have involved front loading garbage trucks (see schematic above right); however, these incidents can also happen in rear and side loading trucks.
- The operator of the garbage truck may have advanced knowledge of the workings of the truck and may be able to provide a solution to removing the victim.
- A tower ladder bucket should be positioned above the truck to serve as a high point anchor. Additional units should keep the area around the truck clear. SOC units will need to be positioned close to the garbage truck for access to specialized equipment.
- It may be necessary to place portable ladders against the truck for top access.
- Ensure lock out, tag procedures are in place to ensure hydraulics are secure and the vehicle cannot start. This could be as simple as removing the ignition keys and/or positioning a firefighter near controls. Lock out, tag out is a safety procedure used to ensure that dangerous equipment is properly shut off and not able to be started up again prior to the completion of FD operations.
- Hydraulic lines that are under a tremendous amount of pressure and hydraulic fluid is flammable. Extreme caution must be used when working around these lines. If cutting torches are used, a handline must be stretched and charged to protect members.
- Ensure the response of a Rescue Medic to provide treatment for Crush Syndrome
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