In the aftermath of natural and manmade disasters such as Earthquakes, Floods, explosions, construction mishaps, massive structures are reduced to rubble piles either in smaller and large scales. Victims predominately trapped deep under the rubble for a long time due to heavy tonnage of concrete, metal and other debris rubble. The survival of those still alive depends deeply on the knowledge, technicians` quick response and equipment application strategies.
Upon the available men and women trained in these specialised courses, the City of Ekurhuleni continue to empower its firefighters with more skills in all technical rescue models as per International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG) standards. Seven more technicians were assessed through structural and confine space rescue exercise yesterday from 09H50 until today at 06H12 when the last patient was recovered.
“Case study given to seven students was that of an Earthquake registered 9,4 on a Richter scale with depth of 25 kilometres. Multiple floor structures collapsed, patients were trapped in voids of buildings and vehicles, some crashed by heavy concrete slabs and all needs intervention of technical rescuers. The call came in at 09H50”. Deployment took place immediately and team arrival registered 10H50 the same morning with all necessary specialised rescue equipment.
Rescuers under the guidance of course Co-ordinator and District Manager Gerald Moswathupa, Leading Instructor Station Manager Jonas Finger and Volunteer USAR-SA Instructor and ex- CoE Firefighter/rescue technician Toney Stacey, went through a gruesome testing assessment from the time call was received until the morning 06H12 (Friday 06th May 2022) when the last patient was recovered.
Expectation from the team was to demonstrate their skills in structural collapsed, confine space and vehicle rescue, all combined. Prioritisation of patients in accordance to medical practice using a triage system.
The first life patient rescued with minor injuries was at 15H48 the same day and handed over to receiving medical facility.
Discipline and expectations as USAR Technician is the safe demonstration of procedures to both team members and public members “the injured and uninjured”. Technicians should prioritise saving lives and no shortcuts and tunnel vision as those can lead to detrimental effects on the entire operation. Teamwork is an absolute necessity.
All seven technicians applied themselves through the entire operation even though the evaluators threw curveballs at them. After shocks and adverse weather conditions are some of the challenges, they faced. All three life patients were rescued at 15H48, 19H08 and 21H39 respectively. The deceased recovered at 22H10, 22h32, 06H00 and 06H12 the Friday morning.
The entire exercise was called off at 10H00 immediately after all equipment were cleaned, packed and ready to be used for the next operation.
Caption: 0630: Left to Right
- Course co-ordinator: D.M Gerald Moswathupa.
- Volunteer Instructor: Toney Stacey
- Leading Instructor: Jonas Finger
