Report Number: 05-0000063
Report Date: 05/27/2005
Event Description
Crews were involved in a multiple fatality vehicle accident in which the deceased victims required extrication. The extrication involved lifting a full sized pick-up truck off of a sub-compact car. Crews shored the pick-up and then lifted it off the car with rams. The car was then winched clear from the truck. The victims were removed from the car. During take-up operations, the crews decided to lower the unstable truck in lieu of waiting for a wrecker. The load shifted and struck the engine lieutenant, almost pinning him between the truck and the wall. At first, it was thought he had broken his pelvis. It turned out to be a severe contusion.
Lesson Learned
Reviewer entered:
1. Take up operations can be even more dangerous than emergency operations. Personnel are winding down from the emergency and are more prone to lapses in decision-making. Fatigue coupled with a rush to return to service affect situational awareness and decision-making.
2. An "all stop" should be called at the conclusion of emergency operations so take up activities can be planned. The duration of the all-stop should be based on the duration and complexity of the incident.
3. Personnel safety and a reminder of the dangers of take up operations should be discussed during the pre-take up briefing.
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