Excavation Emergencies

A typical trench collapse involves three to five cubic yards of soil or about 6,000 to 20,000 pounds. Hazardous effects include compression and asphyxiation. Typical extrication can take one to seven hours depending on the conditions of the cave-in. Individuals should not place themselves at risk in order to save the life of another.  Such situations too often lead to the death of the would-be-rescuer as well as the person originally in danger.  It is the intent of this program to minimize the associated risks with excavation work and focus on accident prevention.    

Blacksburg Volunteer Fire Department is the designated response agency for cave-in emergencies.  The first and most important action that can be taken in the event of a cave-in is to activate the emergency response system by calling 911.

Personnel at Virginia Tech are not trained, nor expected, to perform trench rescue.  However, there are several actions that can be taken to support the rescue team(s) and further protect on-site personnel.

• If the victim is not visible, try to identify the area where the victim most likely is located as closely as possible.
• Contact 540-231-4300 to request the vacuum truck (located at Virginia Tech Electric Service) be brought to the site.  
• Hand digging, if it is safe to approach the site, can begin immediately.  
  • Mechanical excavating equipment should not be used to dig the person out due to the potential for additional injury, crushing, or dismemberment.  
• Have someone meet the fire department upon their arrival and brief them on the situation.
• Assemble materials and equipment that may be beneficial during rescue operations, such as shovels, plywood/lumber, ladders, buckets, etc. 
• Clear the area so that rescue personnel has access to the site.