Rescue » Technical Reports

Amtrak Train Derailment (Nodaway, IA - September 2002)
A technical review of an Amtrak derailment in Nodaway, Iowa, which affected 255 passengers and 16 crew members and resulted in one death, concludes that guidelines-previously established for search and rescue operations after a tornado-contributed to the success of the rescue.

Bonfire Collapse, Texas A&M University, (College Station, TX - November 1999)
Lessons learned from this incident include: reinforcement of the need for pre-incident planning and the necessity for developing and exercising emergency management plans; an adequate and reliable communication system is essential during a large-scale event; the incident commander should think big-scale down; an event involving multiple casualties can quickly exceed the capabilities of local medical facilities; and the necessity of a strong incident management system.

Confined Space Rescue on SS Gem State - Tacoma WA
Details the rescue of a victim unconscious from unknown circumstances. During the operation, several firefighters were overcome by high levels of carbon monoxide.

Crash of Two Subway Trains on the Williamsburg Bridge - New York City, NY
Details interagency response of the NYC EMS, Fire Department and Police Department to the crash of two subway trains.

Industrial Silo Fire and Explosion (Iredell County, Charlotte, NC - December 21, 1997)
This incident highlights the need for the recognition of the dangers of oxygen-limiting silos regardless of their use and setting.

Manufacturing Mill Fire (Methuen, MA - December 1995)
An explosion and fire in an industrial complex injured 37 and destroyed nearly one million square feet of manufacturing space. The damage estimate stands at $500 million, the largest property damage loss fire in the history of Massachusetts.

National Guard Plane Crash at Hotel Site (Evansville, IN - February 1992)
C-130 crash outside hotel results in fire extension to the structure, producing multiple deaths and injuries.

Search and Rescue Operations in California During Flooding
Details swiftwater rescue procedures of local emergency response agencies used during flooding that occured between January and March 1995.

Search and Rescue Operations in Georgia During Major Floods
Details search and rescue operations performed and lessons learned during July 1994 flooding in Georgia.