Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
Brooke Walker Reporting The rescue crew that saved a 71-year woman who fell in a manhole prepares for the next life-threatening emergency. This afternoon, United Fire Authority and HAZMAT crews wrapped up a strenuous 50-hour training session. They say last week's dramatic rescue served as extra motivation today.
In the last five days, this crew rehearsed everything from rope rescues to structure collapse response. Today, they focused on a confined space drill, rescuing people who are stuck in tight spaces. It's training that came in particular handy just last week.
We rely on them when danger happens and the pressure is high. They know that dependence all too well of high-risk calls that statistically result in more fatalities than any other response. IT makes this training crucial.
This afternoon, 60 members of the heavy rescue team put everything they have learned into play. In -this real-to life scenario, two mock "victims" were placed in a pipe located thirty feet down in a trench wall.
One of the first things emergency crews do is exmaine the space and security of the structure. With time working as the enemy in a rescue like this, every second counts. Crews face the challenge of not only getting into the small space, but safely setting up to pull victims out.
Today was only practice, but last week was not a rehearsal. These same crew members were called out to rescue 71-year old Irene Berrett. Berrett had fallen into an uncovered manhole in an Albertson's parking lot. She was trapped in several inches of cold water and waste.
Mike Ulibarri, Unified Fire Authority: "Time was against us there, too. There was still fluid that was rising and easily could have resulted in a drowning before we go there."
But using skills acquired during training, crews successfully got her out.
Mike ULibarri: "I think it really brings into affect with the crew members here how legitimate and serious this incident can be."
Irene Berrett is still in the hospital; she is listed in serious condition. Her family says they are grateful for this crew's effort and preparation.
