| Maine Fire -Dyer- Confined Space |
Friday, April 27th, Maine Fire was dispatched to an industrial area off Rt. 26 in Maine for a report
of 2 workers trapped in a tractor trailer fuel tanker. Chief 33A arrived on scene
and gave an initial size up of: "2 victims, one self extricated, 2nd victim unconscious
from fumes and trapped in the tank." Rescue 33-6 and Engine 33-2 arrived moments later
and crews went to work setting up ladders and gearing up for the rescue. Lieutenant Kyle
Pomeroy lowered himself into the tank which was filled with highly explosive fumes and
poisonous vapor.While Lt. Pomeroy wasin the tank, he held the air mask from a respirator
over the victims face while 33A set up and handed down harnesses to put the victim in.
While securing the equipment to the victim, their efforts of holding an air mask to the
victim paid off. The victim became conscious and was able, with assistance from Lt Pomeroy,
to move himself underneath the hatch and be pulled out by firefighters and police. Once
the victim was out of the tank and lowered to the ground he underwent decontamination and
was promptly loaded into an awaiting ambulance. A special thanks to the Endicott Fire Dept.
who responded their Confined Space Team. Also, a thankyou to Hank Hawver for responding to
the scene and supplying the pictures.
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