By Brandi Phillips
In August 2023, the Bastrop County Sheriff’s Office in Texas responded to a tragic incident involving the deaths of three hunters from Florida and a dog. They perished after falling into an open cistern in a cornfield, which was likely over a century old and filled with hydrogen sulfide gas, casting doubts on its structural integrity. Upon arriving, many first responders were significantly concerned about the risks of entering to retrieve the bodies and consequently refused to proceed. Once the on-site teams had mitigated the hazards to the best of their abilities, a sheriff’s office investigator bravely recovered the bodies, enabling their proper burial.
The perils of confined space rescues
Law enforcement work is often far from glamorous, and cases such as these underscore that reality. The incident did not involve a heroic rescue or a feel-good narrative that might generate public goodwill. Instead, it entailed significant risk, with officers facing the possibility of not returning to their loved ones, all for the sake of providing closure to the families of the deceased.
In contrast, animal rescues from sewers and storm drains often become social media highlights. These moments allow officers to be seen in a positive light, holding a small kitten or duckling, earning the affection of animal-loving community members. Such instances offer a much-needed break from the more challenging aspects of law enforcement duties. However, this raises the question: Are we overlooking the potential for tragedy in situations that initially seem less dire?
Protecting and serving animals effectively contributes to the protection and service of people. In the absence of competent and trustworthy authorities, well-intentioned citizens may endanger themselves by attempting to rescue animals in peril. It is crucial, therefore, before responding to calls involving the fluffy and fuzzy members of our communities, to ensure that appropriate safety protocols are established. This precaution allows officers to safely return home and keeps the public secure. The proverbial canary in the coal mine, or even a duckling in a storm drain, does not reliably signify a safe environment.
Hydrogen sulfide, an atmospheric hazard often referred to as “sewer gas,” is invisible and commonly found in sewers and storm drains. This toxic gas can build up in these underground, confined spaces due to the presence of human waste, fertilizers, roadway runoff, and natural gas pipelines. Hazardous atmospheres can vary; some may be odorless, lack sufficient oxygen, or be highly flammable and explosive. Gas monitors, typically utilized by hazmat and special operations teams, are tools for testing the atmosphere within a space. Although these monitors have limitations in scope — usually detecting oxygen levels, flammability, and a few common toxins — not every potential hazard may be identified. Nonetheless, atmosphere monitoring is an important step toward ensuring safer conditions for accessing victims trapped in spaces where the atmospheric conditions pose a risk.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) outlines federal regulations for confined spaces under standard 1910.146 and provides specific guidance for sewer entry in Appendix E. While the majority of this standard is geared toward employees entering confined spaces for work-related purposes, it also includes provisions for rescuers operating within these environments.
A report by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) highlighted a concerning trend: would-be rescuers represent over 60% of fatalities in incidents involving multiple deaths in confined spaces. Appendix E distinguishes sewers from other confined spaces due to their nature as continuous systems, which makes complete isolation nearly impossible. This characteristic of sewers leads to the potential for sudden and unpredictable atmospheric changes, adding to the risks faced by individuals entering these environments.
Safer methods for animal recovery
Beyond atmosphere monitoring, additional measures can significantly mitigate the hazards associated with confined spaces.
Forced-air ventilation is a critical strategy, capable of expelling toxic gases and replenishing the space with fresh air, thus making it safer for entry. Moreover, fresh-air breathing apparatuses offer vital respiratory protection for individuals entering these environments, safeguarding them against any detrimental changes in air quality. Implementing these practices necessitates extra time and resources before commencing an operation, but they are likely to play a crucial role in ensuring the health and safety of both rescuers and victims.
Rescuing animals from sewers and storm drains involves more than just the risk of hazardous atmospheres; the animals themselves can present significant dangers. Animals in distress, particularly those trapped in such environments, are likely to be fearful and may defensively use teeth and claws against rescuers. While heavy-duty gloves can reduce the risk of lacerations, even those reinforced with materials like Kevlar are not impervious to punctures, especially from cats. Beyond physical injuries, there is a heightened risk of infection from scratches and bites, exacerbated by the bacteria and contaminants prevalent in these environments. The threat of communicable diseases and bacterial infections is serious, with some having the potential to cause life-altering or even life-threatening consequences.
Additionally, other wildlife may inhabit these systems, including snakes, alligators, and venomous spiders and insects, further complicating rescue efforts. The presence of these animals, combined with the environmental risks, makes entry into sewers and storm drains less appealing, even with protection against poor air quality. This underscores the complexity and danger of such rescue operations, highlighting the importance of preparation, appropriate protective equipment, and caution.
Fortunately, there are numerous alternative methods available for rescuing animals from confined spaces such as sewers and storm drains, which minimize the need for direct contact and reduce risks to rescuers. Nets and other tools designed for extended reach can be effectively used to capture and safely extract animals from these environments. Live capture traps, baited to attract the animal, offer another viable option, allowing rescuers to retrieve the trap once the animal is inside. However, it’s crucial to monitor these traps closely to prevent any harm to the animal, especially in situations where water levels might suddenly rise.
By prioritizing techniques that minimize direct interaction with the animal until it has been brought to a safe area, rescuers can better ensure both their own safety and that of the animal. These strategies not only protect rescuers from potential injuries and infections but also reduce the stress and fear experienced by the animal during the rescue process.
The essential role of protective gear and decontamination
Rescuers undertaking the task of saving animals from sewers and storm drains should wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) suited to the environmental hazards present, with gloves being a minimum requirement to prevent contact with pathogens, bacteria, and chemicals.
Once an animal is rescued, immediate temporary containment is essential to avoid unintended escape. Suitable containment options include an enclosed cardboard box, a hard-sided carrier, or even a cloth sack or bag, depending on the animal’s size and the resources available. This step is critical to ensure the animal’s safety until it can be returned to its owner or handed over to local animal services for care.
Decontaminating the animal promptly after rescue is also crucial, especially considering the potential exposure to harmful substances in such environments. Using Dawn dish soap, known for its effectiveness in cleaning and its gentle formula, followed by thorough rinsing, is often sufficient for decontamination. This simple yet effective method can significantly reduce the risk of disease transmission and chemical exposure, ensuring the animal’s health and safety following the rescue operation.
How animal rescues enhance community relations
When the chance to carry out an animal rescue presents itself, law enforcement officers should seize the opportunity. Such acts of service not only foster connections with the community but also potentially prevent tragic outcomes that could occur if untrained citizens attempt rescues themselves. Preparing in advance for these scenarios is crucial to ensure that a department is ready to respond effectively. Identifying local resources for hazard mitigation is a key step, as is building relationships with animal rescue organizations within the community.
Additionally, educating community members about the risks associated with confined spaces and encouraging them to seek professional assistance is important. By adopting safe practices for these operations, law enforcement can continue to serve all members of the community, both human and animal, while minimizing risk. This approach not only enhances public safety but also strengthens the bond between law enforcement and the communities they serve, showcasing their commitment to protecting all forms of life.
About the author
Brandi Phillips serves as the Animal Technical Rescue Branch Director for the University of Florida Veterinary Emergency Treatment Service. Since 2011, she has been merging her love of teaching with her passion for human safety and animal welfare while providing training to first responders, veterinary professionals, and livestock stakeholders throughout the State of Florida. Phillips also serves as a subject matter expert on committees for the National Fire Protection Association Standards 1006 and 2500 pertaining to technical rescue.