As a low-frequency high-risk event, confined space rescues are among the most unforgiving emergencies in the fire service. With industrial rescue times using as few as two rescuers and fire department technical rescue teams consisting of 10,20, or more people, how many rescuers do we really need? How quickly should they be able to react? In How Fast Is Your Rescue? (Fire Engineering, September 2025), Alex Zielinski asks if we’re truly prepared to deliver a timely rescue when the call comes?
Delays, poor planning, and reliance on “just call 911” can leave workers vulnerable. NFPA 350 is one too that can help. It defines response tiers and benchmarks for confined space rescues, offering clarity where OSHA’s language falls short. Readers will learn how to evaluate their own capabilities, from team size and equipment readiness to outreach with local industry, and why proactive collaboration is essential to closing dangerous gaps.
👉 Read the full article in Fire Engineering to discover how to measure, improve, and accelerate your confined space rescue response.