Outside the box calls can happen anywhere at anytime. Here is a call that
Moneta Fire Department responded to that had a victim pinned by roof trusses while on scaffolding.

Per a comment on the Bedford County Special Operations Command – SOC Facebook page, “the load was captured by the Paratechs and did a controlled lift and once the load was cribbed and secure we cut away the ladder he was tangled in and removed him in a stoke basket that was awaiting transport. “

Here’s a few OSHA reports on truss collapses during construction:

• Investigation of the July 13, 2007 Collapse of Roof Trusses in Township of Franklin, NJ
• Investigation of the August 3, 2005 Collapse of Roof Trusses At Natatorio de, San Juan, PR

Central Volunteer Fire Company of Elizabeth Township

Here’s another example how often a vehicle into a structure will require shoring. Central Volunteer Fire Company of Elizabeth Township responded in Rescue 147 for an unoccupied vehicle into a structure. Upon arrival, crews on reported significant damage to a garage. Rescue 147 deployed their Paratech Rescue Struts to provide stabilization to the garage.

Want to learn more about their rig? Checkout our post a while back that walks you thru it here.

Tractor Trailer vs House

Below are a few pictures and the description of an incident that involved a tractor trailer into a house with people trapped. I believe every fire department should have a basic understanding of shoring up a house for just this type of incident.  Vehicles into a structure can happen anywhere.  Departments train for vehicle accidents with entrapment but often this doesn’t include any shoring training.  Shoring a structure is under the technical rescue category.  However, I would prefer to have my crew know how to properly deploy T Spot Shore to provide additional safety those working in or around the compromised structure.  The Field Guide for Building Stabilization and Shoring Techniques published by the Department of Homeland Security and is packed full of useful information.

Here’s a video on using Paratech Struts to make a T-Spot Shore.

The Seventh District Volunteer Fire Department had an incident with a Tractor Trailer in a residence with occupants trapped near the Clements intersection. Crews assisted with stabilizing the structure to remove 4 occupants and the Truck driver. One patient was pinned inside the structure and required additional rescue efforts. All patients were extricated and transported within an hour of arrival.

Chief 7 was assigned as a Rescue Group Supervisor with Chief 5 holding Command. A total of 4 Heavy Duty Rescue Squads, 2 Ladder Trucks, 1 Engine, NDW Pax River Collapse Trailer and Support, Charles County TRT, DCFD TRT Task Force, EMS units from Seventh District, Leonardtown, and Mechanicsville, along with Baltimore Shock Trauma Go Team responded on the incident.