During the 21st week of 2024, the Elizabeth Fire Department in Elizabeth, New Jersey, conducted essential confined space rescue drills at APM Terminals Port Elizabeth as part of their annual training to ensure readiness for high-risk situations.
This collaboration between the fire department and the terminal staff underscores the significance of preparedness in responding to emergencies in industrial settings.
The training, led by Deputy Chief William Vignali and Battalion Chief Gary Haszko, concentrated on the intricacies of confined space rescues—one of the most challenging types of emergency response.
Rescuers face unique difficulties when operating in confined spaces such as sewers, tankers, or high port cranes, where limited access points and hazardous conditions add complexity to the rescue efforts.
“This year, we had the opportunity to use the crane at APM Terminals, the height and size of which added a layer of complexity to our drill. We conduct confined space training every year, but practising in this industrial setting really helps simulate real-world conditions where time, access, and safety risks are heightened,” stated Deputy Chief Vignali.
