Actual Rescue Operations
Yes - The LIBERTY GRAIN RESCUE TUBE® has been used during the successful extrication of
individuals from grain. The names of the victims and rescue workers, all of whom survived,
have been omitted pending permission to disclose their identities or by request.
MABAS Division #25 Technical Rescue Team Saves a Life
Big thanks to the MABAS Division #25 Technical Rescue Team in LaSalle County, Illinois. On
July 10th, 2008 an individual trapped in grain was rescued by members of the MABAS
Technical Rescue Team. The engulfment occurred when a male grainery worker inadvertently
stepped and then slipped into an opening at the base of a large steel bin. As grain inflowed
upon the victim, he was able to call for help. Near-by workers immediately called 911 and
organized a response. Seeing that more grain might inflow and completely cover the victim,
workers placed a portion of a plastic barrel around his head and chest.
As rescue workers and first responders arrived on the scene, construction of a cofferdam was
initiated. Then, MABAS Team members from Mendota arrived with a Liberty Grain Rescue
Tube. The Liberty Tube, a device for assisting in the extrication of a partially engulfed victim,
was inserted around the victim. The interlocking tube sections, capable of withstanding forces
exerted by the grain, enabled the rescue workers to remove grain from immediately around the
victim.
Complicating matters was the fact that the victim’s foot was wedged and caught between the
bin floor and a mechanical device. With the grain pressure held back by the tube, rescue
workers were able to dislodge his foot and pull the man to freedom. Thanks to the technical
rescue team’s knowledge and their advanced level of training, an individual was able to go
home to his family instead of his family having to pay their last respects.
This account was compiled by Dr. Doug Kingman after conducting phone interviews with key
rescue personnel. A review of this write up was completed by the interviewees.
individuals from grain. The names of the victims and rescue workers, all of whom survived,
have been omitted pending permission to disclose their identities or by request.
MABAS Division #25 Technical Rescue Team Saves a Life
Big thanks to the MABAS Division #25 Technical Rescue Team in LaSalle County, Illinois. On
July 10th, 2008 an individual trapped in grain was rescued by members of the MABAS
Technical Rescue Team. The engulfment occurred when a male grainery worker inadvertently
stepped and then slipped into an opening at the base of a large steel bin. As grain inflowed
upon the victim, he was able to call for help. Near-by workers immediately called 911 and
organized a response. Seeing that more grain might inflow and completely cover the victim,
workers placed a portion of a plastic barrel around his head and chest.
As rescue workers and first responders arrived on the scene, construction of a cofferdam was
initiated. Then, MABAS Team members from Mendota arrived with a Liberty Grain Rescue
Tube. The Liberty Tube, a device for assisting in the extrication of a partially engulfed victim,
was inserted around the victim. The interlocking tube sections, capable of withstanding forces
exerted by the grain, enabled the rescue workers to remove grain from immediately around the
victim.
Complicating matters was the fact that the victim’s foot was wedged and caught between the
bin floor and a mechanical device. With the grain pressure held back by the tube, rescue
workers were able to dislodge his foot and pull the man to freedom. Thanks to the technical
rescue team’s knowledge and their advanced level of training, an individual was able to go
home to his family instead of his family having to pay their last respects.
This account was compiled by Dr. Doug Kingman after conducting phone interviews with key
rescue personnel. A review of this write up was completed by the interviewees.
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Copyright 2009 Liberty Rescue Systems, LLC
Liberty Rescue Systems, LLC