Trench rescue - Definition and Overview

Trench rescue is a highly specialized form of rescue, a subset of confined space rescue. Trench rescue involves shoring up the sides of a trench, and digging a trapped worker out of a collapsed ditch.

Trench rescue doesn't use many high tech tools. In fact, many of the tools are simple, such as wedges made of wood, sheets of plywood, and shovels. Power tools are generally not used, as these may cause injury to a trapped victim.

Plywood sheets are placed along the sides of the trench, and 4x4 wood bracers are placed between the sheets. Wedges are driven in behind the plywood to force them together against the bracers. This is to prevent further collapse of the ditch sides.

Once the ditch is secured, the rescue team may enter the ditch and recover the trapped victim.