What can go wrong in confined space rescues.

Bad atmospheric conditions appear to be the culprit in each of these cases. The unfortunate part is that these incidents could have possibly been prevented. Had the atmosphere been monitored in these three cases alone, maybe we could have prevented the six injuries and one fatality. A person in need of help while in a tank, vessel, pit, manhole or other confined space is in a confined space rescue situation. Confined space awareness training and rescue training is a must for all responding rescuers. The game has changed from what it was 50 years ago. Our hearts cannot dictate our actions without clearly thinking through the situation and doing a simple risk benefit analysis. We must not tolerate the mentality of “risking a life to save a body.” This may sound cruel but at this point we are not even sure if we have a rescue or a recovery. Think before you react and solve the problem.