Final set of images from the confined space recovery in Wheeling on 11/29/12.
The firefighter is out of the tank after having attached a harness to the victim. Larry Shapiro photo
The firefighter that was inside the tank heads toward the decontamination unit as others in protective gear standby to help retrieve the victim. Larry Shapiro photo
The firefighter begins the decontamination process. Larry Shapiro photo
Using the ropes and pulleys, firefighters work to extract the victim from the bottom of the tank. Larry Shapiro photo
Another view of the overall scene with technical rescue, support, and EMS personnel in place. Larry Shapiro photo
The decon unit has separate areas to decontaminate the victim and the rescue personnel. Larry Shapiro photo
Another firefighter begins the decontamination process. Larry Shapiro photo
The firefighters begin their decontamination outside the unit before going through a series of showers inside the truck. Another team works to decontaminate the victim on the other side. Larry Shapiro photo
All contaminated ropes and equipment are collected. Larry Shapiro photo
After completing the decontamination showers, a firefighter dons a generic smock before going to the hospital for a quick examination. Larry Shapiro photo
The external decontamination area alongside Decon 1. Larry Shapiro photo
Additional ambulances from Elk Grove Township and Skokie were special called to the scene to standby for medical emergencies. Ambulances from Wheeling, Buffalo Grove, Northbrook, and Highland Park were used for firefighters, the victim, and another worker from the cleaning company. Larry Shapiro photo
Des Plaines Fire Department Technical Rescue Squad. Larry Shapiro photo
Other posts from this incident are HERE, HERE, HERE, and HERE.
Tim Olk has a gallery of images HERE.
#1 by "J" on December 1, 2012 - 7:28 PM
2 fully staffed Hazmat Squads, 4 Fully Staffed Rescue Squads, and on any given day 700+ Hazmat techs. What puts the CFD above the rest our 5-1-5 Chiefs who ” KNOW THEIR JOB” and then some…so bring it on…I think we’re ready…. (that doesn’t even mention a command staff of Deputies and above who know what their doing and the resources to back them up)
#2 by Dennis on December 1, 2012 - 7:21 PM
@Mike…..Both Haz-Mat companies staff the rigs with 5 personnel just like any other fire company. There are HIT fire companies who can assist either team at an incident. There are also other support vehicles for certain types of incidents that can be special called and brought by the fire company where the rig is kept. The squad companies have 6 personnel assigned and can do the same stuff as the Haz-Mat companies but are limited. The Haz-Mat companies carry more detectors, etc..
#3 by Mike on December 1, 2012 - 5:38 PM
I know this is not Chicago, but I was wondering how the CFD organizes their Haz-Mat team. For example, how many personel are on the Haz Mat team on any given shift and is it only the main vehicles or are there satalitie teams?