Confined Space Rescue

This new, basic text details the hazards of confined spaces, describes ways to control those hazards, then presents a simple method of conducting a confined space rescue operation. The text assumes that skill levels and types of equipment available to rescuers may vary, but recognizes that a common thread runs through all emergency confined space operations. The authors, two experienced rescue professionals, identify that thread and use it to build a nine-step model that simplifies confined space rescues and offers standard operating procedures and checklists. The model is applicable to both well-equipped, sophisticated rescue teams as well as those with limited equipment and basic skills. Students and instructors can use the information to examine confined spaces in their community and determine how their skills and equipment would work in potential rescue situations.

George Browne was appointed to the Weehawken, NJ Fire Department in 1976 as a firefighter. In 1999 he retired as a Chief in the First Battalion with North Hudson Regional Fire and Rescue, the fire department which succeeded the Weehawken Fire Department when it was merged with 4 other local fire departments in Hudson County, NJ. During his career he was the Safety Officer, Training Officer and Pre-Planning Officer in addition to his line duties. In the mid 80?s George was the Chairman of the Firefighter Health, Safety and Education Committee for the NJ State Firemen's Mutual Benevolent Association as Hazwoper, Confined Space Rescue and NJ's Public Employees? OSHA came into effect. He has been an EMT, a Haz-mat Technician and is trained in Confined Space Rescue. George is a Certified Fire Protection Specialist, a New Jersey State Level II instructor and a certified instructor for Hazardous Materials Technician and Confined Space Rescue. He still teaches for the New Jersey State Police Hazardous Materials Training Unit. Since his retirement George works as a Managing Consultant for Global Risk Consultants and is member of the New Jersey State Industrial Safety Committee and the Technical Committee for NFPA 1620 Pre-Incident Planning.

Gus Crist started his Fire/Rescue service in 1968 with the United States Air Force in Crash Rescue. After the USAF he continued in different volunteer organizations including fire, rescue, haz-mat and emergency management. Prior to his retirement, Gus spent 25 years in the waste-water industry and was the Safety Officer for the Ocean County Utilities Authority. During his time with the utilities authority, Gus attended and instructed a variety of courses related to safety and emergency response in the waste-water industry. Currently he is an instructor for the New Jersey State Police Hazardous Materials Training Unit and teaches both the haz-mat technician course and the confined space rescue class. Gus was a member of the New Jersey Task Force One steering committee and has been a member of the Task Force since its beginning. He has been appointed to the Ocean County Emergency Council and a member of the New Jersey State Industrial Safety Committee.