Praise for staff after successful rescue

City firefighters lead a dangerous rescue operation to assist two men trapped in a storm water pipe while doing maintenance work. The men were overcome by hazardous vapours and collapsed.

City firefighters lead a dangerous rescue operation to assist two men trapped in a storm water pipe while doing maintenance work. The men were overcome by hazardous vapours and collapsed.

Published Dec 2, 2021

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CAPE TOWN - City rescue staff have been hailed for coming to the aid of two maintenance workers trapped in a storm water pipe in what has been described as a tense situation under the Weltevreden Bridge across the R300, near Mitchells Plain.

They were taken to Vincent Pallotti Hospital in critical condition, according to Safety and security mayco member JP Smith.

He said firefighters responded to a confined space emergency just before 4pm on Tuesday and called for the technical confined space rescue team from Goodwood to assist Metro Emergency Medical Service. They were joined by Metro ambulance staff; Law Enforcement, Traffic Service and South African Police Service officers; as well as a private ambulance service.

Firefighters responded to a confined space emergency. Picture: Twitter

“Goodwood station commander Warren Sam took over as the incident commander and immediately enforced a confined space rescue system. The scene was cleared, only authorised personnel were allowed, a clear line of sight to the manhole opening was created and a disciplined communication system was maintained.

“Gas reading showed oxygen levels were only acceptable when fresh air was being pumped in through the manhole. Without it, the oxygen level dropped rapidly and this was a concern. This meant they had to do a gas reading every five minutes, increasing the pressure on what was already a tense situation,”said Smith.

Metro Rescue set up a quadpod with rope systems for a high anchor point above the opening while City fire fighters assisted with additional rope work for the hauling and lowering of the rescuer and patients.

“I am proud of our firefighters who took control of the situation to ensure everyone involved were safe. Throughout the rescue, it was the contractor who ensured fresh air which maintained the survival oxygen level. I commend all on scene for their teamwork and dedication which ensure a successful rescue,” said Smith.

Cape Times

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