South Metro Trench Rescue

Photo courtesy of South Metro Fire Rescue

At 08:53 on July 16th, 2020 South Metro Fire Rescue responded to a trench rescue in the 9200 block of Desert Willow Rd. in Highlands Ranch. Workers were applying a tar-like adhesive to the foundation of a home when one person was overcome by fumes. First arriving Tower 18 found the adult victim below grade in medical distress and unable to escape. A Firefighter immediately entered the trench with breathing protection to provide treatment while additional resources were responding. The trench was unprotected so extreme caution was needed to prevent a collapse from occurring. A hose line was placed in case the fumes ignited and the Hazardous Materials Team monitored air conditions. Members of the Technical Rescue Team who are specially trained in low frequency, high risk rescues, arrived and assisted with getting the victim out safely. Approximately 30 minutes passed from the 911 call until the victim was successfully removed. Firefighters used a hose line to decontaminate the person who was quickly transported to the hospital in serious condition. The work being done on site is not regulated by the fire department or the building department, but the SMFR Fire Marshal’s Office is assisting the workers with education about how to be safer in the future. Additional information was provided by South Metro Fire Rescue

Units on Scene: Battalion Chief 1, Battalion Chief 2, District 1, Special Ops 10, Safety 18, Safety 35, Tower 18, Engine 12, Engine 15, Medic 15, Medic 16, Engine 17, Medic 17, Engine 33, Tower 34, Rescue 34, Medic 37, Engine 38, Haz-Mat 38, PIO 10 & Collapse 45