Small hand held digging tools are to be used in uncovering buried victims. Survival of victims must be evaluated in relation to safety of rescue personnel. Suffocation in only one element to consider. Earth moved in a cave-in may weigh several tons and can produce extensive pressure and trauma to the chest. The policy on shoring equipment should be reviewed with this policy and procedure.
Factors Find out who is in charge and what happened.
Ventilate any confined spaces mechanically and use SCBAs. Use airbags and cribbing to move large objects that are trapping victim. In a tight spot, airbags may be used as shoring. Use ladders for egress and bridging. Be as careful in removing the shoring after the rescue as you were in installing it.