SAN DIEGO — San Diego Fire-Rescue crews rescued a construction worker trapped in a trench, under a concrete beam on a construction site in La Jolla Wednesday.
The site is located at 8470 El Paseo Grande in the La Jolla Shores community.
Fire crews received a 911 call about 8:00 a.m.
According to Deputy Fire Chief Brian Raines, part of the old concrete foundation from the home fell on top of the 62-year-old worker, pinning him to the wall of the trench. He said the trench was approximately eight to ten feet deep.
"We have to shore up the trench, and make sure that any action we take in trying to raise him out or try and remove dirt doesn’t create more damage, doesn’t cause more pain or injuries for the patient," said Deputy Chief Raines. "It’s a very coordinated effort to make sure all personnel at the site know exactly what they’re doing, what everyone else is doing so that actions are coordinated."
He said more than 40 fire personnel and lifeguards took part in the rescue, many have specialized training in dealing with situations like this.
Around 1:30 p.m., the man was pulled to safety.
"It’s very rewarding, being able to save a life today," said Deputy Chief Raines. "To make sure this gentleman is able to continue working, to go home to his family, it’s very rewarding to see we had a good outcome today."
Firefighters say the patient suffered a fractured arm and is being evaluated for any possible internal injuries. He was conscious during the five-and-a-half-hour rescue.
CBS 8 reached out to Hill Construction Company for comment and is waiting to hear back. According to San Diego Fire-Rescue, Cal OSHA was at the scene as part of standard procedure.
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