Workers Stranded in Malfunctioning Boom

On Monday, June 15, 2009 at 8:42 PM, 5 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 4 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 2 Urban Search and Rescue Units, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, 2 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, a Heavy Equipment Operator, Light Vehicles 89 & 97 and the LAPD, under the direction of Battalion Chief Peter Benesch, responded to a Rescue incident at 2050 N. Cyprean Dr. in the Hollywood Hills.

Firefighters responded to reports of two workers stuck in the basket of a hydraulic boom, approximately 40 to 50 feet above the ground. The workers had been doing repairs on the adjacent radio tower, when they experienced difficulties maneuvering the boom basket. The first arriving Firefighters on scene, found the location of the workers problematic for responding heavy apparatus. An additional USAR company, light vehicles and a heavy equipment operator were requested to assist at the scene.

Firefighters began the daunting task of hand carrying and setting up, rescue equipment, generators and lights. As the aerial ladder truck slowly trudged up the narrow private road, Firefighters began stabilization operations to the boom.

The ladder truck made the long assent and culminated the rescue attempt with the extension of the aerial ladder in the rescue of the two trapped workers. It took approximately 55 Firefighters and specialty equipment, 1 hour, 32 minutes to rescue the workers. Fortunately, the proper use of safety equipment contributed in the worker's receiving no injuries.

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Submitted by d'Lisa Davies
Los Angeles Fire Department