Rescue Standby

Confined spaces pose significant risks due to limited entry and exit points, poor ventilation, and the potential presence of toxic gases or low oxygen levels. From 2005-2009, 28 states recorded fatalities, however, from 2013-2015 only one state (Rhode Island) did not record a Confined Space fatality. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 1,030 workers died from occupational injuries involving a Confined Space from 2011-2018, an average of 128 deaths per year, with a high percentage involving would-be rescuers. In fact, OSHA reports that over 60% of confined space fatalities are rescuers who were not properly trained or equipped. These statistics underscore the critical need for a trained standby rescue team during confined space entry operations. A dedicated rescue team can respond immediately in case of an emergency, reducing response time and significantly increasing the chances of survival for affected workers. Their presence ensures that rescue operations are conducted safely and efficiently, minimizing risk to both the victim and the responders.
Midwest Misfits, is built for a purpose: keeping people safe when the stakes are highest. We specialize in confined space standby rescue because we know how dangerous those environments can be—one wrong move or delayed response can cost a life. That’s why every member of our crew is handpicked, highly trained, and certified in confined space entry, technical rescue, and emergency medical response. We don’t just meet the standard—we set it. Our team trains regularly in real-world scenarios so when the call comes, we’re ready. We take pride in being the team that workers and companies can count on to be calm under pressure and fast when it matters most. Safety isn’t a sideline for us—it’s our mission.
A proficient technical rescue standby team is essential for ensuring safety in high-risk environments where traditional emergency response methods may be insufficient. Our primary role is to provide immediate, expert assistance in life-threatening situations, particularly in complex and hazardous settings such as confined spaces, high-angle areas, trenches, water bodies, and industrial sites. OSHA states, “An employer who designates rescue and emergency services must: Evaluate a prospective rescuer’s ability to respond to a rescue summons in a TIMELY MANNER, considering the hazard(s) identified. Many think fire department response is immediate, however, it is not. If we look at time, the following plays a factor…
Reaction Time: Time between the entrant having a problem requiring rescue and the safety attendant’s recognition that the entrant has a problem.
Contact Time: The time taken by the attendant to contact the rescue team.
Response Time: The time taken by the rescuers to arrive at the scene of the rescue after contact.
Assessment Time: The time taken by a rescue team to size up the problem and determine the strategy to perform a safe, efficient rescue.
Preparation Time: The time taken by a rescue team to set up for the rescue.
Rescue Time: The time taken for the team to reach, treat, package, and evacuate the victim from the confined space.
Utilizing a standby rescue team will reduce time to rescue by having systems in place.
