HALIFAX, MASSACHUSETTS (PLYMOUTH COUNTY) - Around 0945 hours the Halifax Fire Department received a 9-1-1 call reporting a person was trapped up to his chest in a trench at 374 South Street. An engine and ambulance responded to the scene. Companies arrived to find a 50-year old male who was buried up to his chest in a trench in the front yard of a residence. The worker was approximately eight feet down below grade. The worker was reportedly doing a Title V inspection and was in the trench when it collapsed around him. The OIC immediately requested the Plymouth County Technical Rescue Team to respond to the scene to assist with the incident. Approximately 20-technical rescue technicians from across Plymouth County responded to the scene with specialized equipment used for technical rescues. Rescue crews had to set up shoring in the trench before they could enter the trench to begin hand digging the man out. Crews rotated in and out of the hole after approximately 20-minute work periods. Crews used small military style shovels and five gallon buckets to remove the dirt from around the victim. A heater was brought in to keep the victim warm, as hypothermia was a concern of EMS personnel. Due to the extended operation, and mechanism of the injuries, paramedics started an IV and gave the victim fluids while he was still trapped inside the trench. Boston MedFlight was requested to respond, and landed at a nearby landing zone. The MedFlight crew was brought to the scene to observe the conditions and assist with patient care once the victim was removed. The victim was alert and conscious, talking with rescuers the entire operation. After approximately 2-hours from the initial 9-1-1 call, the victim was carried out of the trench in a stokes basket, and carried to an awaiting ambulance. The ambulance brought the victim to the landing zone, where he was flown to a Boston hospital. The patient was released from the hospital later that night. No other injuries were reported on the scene.
