Collapse Rescue

When a disaster strikes natural or man-made buildings, bridges and other structures often fall trapping people within. Injured and trapped they require emergency crews with special rescue training. Saving people trapped under the heavy weight of a building is challenging, especially while other parts of the building may be unstable and threaten to fall. Leaking gas, exposed electrical power lines and leaking water mains often complicate rescue efforts.

Clackamas Fire District #1 has personnel trained and equipped to the highest standards to address the special needs of a collapse rescue. Each of the technical rescue technicians are trained in collapse rescue. This extensive training includes locating trapped people, operating specialized cutting equipment, shoring, bracing and lifting structural members. Some of this special equipment allows the team members to cut through thick concrete and heavy steel members. These special skills are immediately available throughout the district and neighboring areas whenever the need arises.