The prospect of being trapped in a confined space is something that no person would want to experience. However, when individuals do find themselves trapped in a small space, recovery is needed immediately. Confined space rescue teams are specifically trained for exact situations such as these. The process of extracting a confined individual depends on the severity of the confined space as well as the physical state of the trapped person. By both assessing the extraction situation properly and using open communication with the individual, the removal will be conducted as securely as possible. 

Help The Trapped Person Feel Safe

Ensuring the trapped person feels safe until extraction is complete should always be the top priority of the rescue team. The team, upon arriving, should ascertain whether any serious injuries have been incurred or if issues such as pain or dehydration are present. Assessing the confined space and the position the person is stuck in will help guide the rescue team to a plan that will provide a safe and secure removal.

Communicate WIth The Trapped Person

Communicating to the trapped individual will also allow them to feel safer, knowing that help will soon be arriving. Keeping a running dialogue with the individual will them calm. It can also allow the rescue team to determine the best possible method of extraction that will both keep the trapped person free from harm and also prevent additional structural issues. 

A solid method on how to best utilize this communication is to tell the trapped individual step-by-step actions ahead of time. Letting the person know exactly what will happen beforehand will provide a sense of relief and allow them to remain calm and as stable as possible. Communication should be both friendly and assuring while also expressing a sense of urgency to the seriousness of the confinement situation. As the extraction is underway, constant affirmations that the process is being completed satisfactorily will help prevent the trapped individual to try to quicken the process themselves. Often, when a trapped person sees what appears to be a clear way out, they may try to hurry along the process. It is critical to the safety of that individual as well as overseeing the structural integrity of the confined space that additional threats are prevented. 

While each situation regarding someone trapped in a confined space will be different, these methods will allow for the safest possible extraction. This connection, between the trapped individual and those conducting the rescue will provide a relationship of trust and assurance. By properly assessing the space and the state of the confined person, as well as building this strong communication between them, a successful and safe recovery will be possible.