On March 28, 2026, at 0907 hours, Pittsburgh EMS Medic 8 (M8), Rescue 2 (R2, EMS heavy rescue), Unit 503 (U503, EMS field supervisor), and Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire Engine 27 (E27) were dispatched to a Port Authority bus maintenance garage for a worker who had fallen into a narrow grease pit and was unable to exit.

M8, U503, and E27 arrived on scene and confirmed that a worker was trapped in a confined space approximately 12 feet below ground. The space was approximately 12 feet deep and 18 inches wide, with about 12 inches of standing liquid at the bottom. According to on-scene personnel, the liquid contained a mixture of water and hydrocarbons, including oil, gasoline, and diesel fuel.

The victim was found standing in the space, conscious, alert, and oriented, and complained of wrist, back, and leg pain. He was covered in the liquid from the bottom of the pit. 

Incident Command was established immediately. A second EMS heavy rescue company (Rescue 1) and an additional medic unit (Medic 2) were requested. A collapsible roof ladder was deployed into the pit; however, the victim was unable to self-extricate due to his injuries.

R2 arrived and initiated ventilation of the space using a confined space blower. A Miller tripod was then set up, and a rescuer from R2 was lowered into the space wearing a Class III harness using a 4:1 rope system with integrated progress capture as well as a backup tag line.

An MSA Altair 5 multi-gas meter was deployed with the rescuer, and no atmospheric hazards were identified during the operation.

Upon contact, the rescuer confirmed that the victim had minor injuries. A cervical collar was applied as a precaution. No additional medical care was feasible within the space due to its narrow dimensions and contaminated environment.

The initial plan was to package the victim using a Yates Spec Pak; however, due to the confined width of the space, the entrant determined that proper application would not be possible. A Yates Victim Rescue Seat was instead secured to the victim, who was then raised from the space using the 4:1 system.

The victim was removed approximately 29 minutes after the arrival of the first units.

Immediately upon extrication, emergency decontamination was performed by crews from M8 and E27. The victim was covered in contaminated liquid, so clothing was removed, and he was decontaminated using water, mild detergent (Dawn dish soap), sponges, and brushes to remove residual hydrocarbons.

The patient was then transported to a local trauma center by Medic 2 in stable condition. During transport, he was reassessed, monitored, and received intravenous analgesia.

Following the rescue, the entrant exited the space via the roof ladder and underwent decontamination by crews from M8 and E27.