By Joseph DiBernardo - BTRTF Leader

At approximately 2000 hours on April 26th, 2007 the Sound Beach Fire Dept. responded to a reported vehicle into an occupied private dwelling with injuries. Upon arrival the SBFD found a male adult with cardiac symptoms and his pickup truck partially into the basement level of a 20' x 40' wood framed raised ranch. The vehicle entered a bedroom knocking out a large window and its header, both jack studs and portions of the weight bearing wall. the vehicle was in up to where the top of the windshield meets the roof.

Two Engines, the Rescue and one Ambulance were on scene and under the command of Chief of Department John Strahm. Members assessed, treated and transported the patient to an area hospital while members began stabilizing the vehicle. Structural stability was assessed by SBFD and Brookhaven Technical Rescue Task Force (BTRTF) member Jim Maire along with SBFD Captain Tom Sternberg.

It was determined that shoring was possibly required to stabilize the structure. Knowing this is beyond the limits of the SBFD, they requested the BTRTF for a level II response, structural damage/minor collapse. This response includes three BTRTF fire departments, of which two must be collapse equipment and shoring equipped and the Port Jefferson Volunteer Ambulance Corp., and both the BTRTF Leader and Liaison.

Three BTRTF units, Port Jefferson FD responded with their Rescue, both the Setauket and Mount Sinai FD's responded with their Collapse Rescue Trailers (CRT), this allowed for multiple Building Collapse Rescue & Shoring certified members to operate and shore the structure. These units reported to the BTRTF Acting Liaison, Matt Bruemmer and awaited orders.

The BTRTF Leader arrived and reported into command and was advised of the situation and then reported to the Operations officer, Captain Tom Sternberg. As the Task Force leader completed his size-up, he determined that multiple floor joists were left unsupported and would require shoring.

While apparatus was removed from the front of the structure to allow for the Setauket FD Collapse Trailer, members of the BTRTF set up a cutting station. In addition, BTRTF members reported into "Rescue Operations" (BTRTF Task Force Leader) with a Shoring Team.

After confirmation of utility shut down and stabilization of the vehicle, members of the Shoring Team installed two Paratech Rescue Struts. One on each side of the vehicle stabilizing floor joists of the first floor. These struts were placed on top of a 4" x 4" as a sole plate used to transfer the load into the ground. an additional 4" x 4" was used on top of the strut as a header, to collect the load. The strut is used to transfer the load.

Once the outside of the structure was secure, members of the BTRTF entered the basement bedroom and installed three Paratech Rescue Struts using an eight foot 4" x 4" header and sole plate. This allowed for as many floor joists as possible to be supported.

Now that these temporary shores were in place, the vehicle could be removed by the SCPD ESS using their winch and 'J' hooks.

After safe removal of the vehicle, the BTRTF shoring team re-entered the structure, re-assessed the structural stability and checked the Paratech Rescue Struts for movement.

Paratech Rescue Struts allow for a safe and quick installation and safing of the area. Paratech Rescue Struts are typically replaced with timber shoring, allowing for their use further and deeper into the collapsed structure or area. This also facilitates the ability to leave the scene with the Paratech Rescue Struts when they are replaced with timber shoring.

A Vertical Shore, also known as a 'Dead' was used to replace the Paratech Rescue Struts inside the building. Using both a 4" x 4" header & Sole-plate and four 4" x 4" posts, the shore was erected in place and pressurized to secure it using 2" x 4" wedges under each post. 2" x 6" diagonal (cross) bracing was then attached to each side of the dead shore for added stability and strength. The shore is attached to the structure by being nailed to each floor joist for added stability.

For more information on Structural Collapse Rescue and Shoring Training, go to www.LongIslandRescue.com