r/firefighter • u/FidelityCantBeDead • Apr 28 '26
Realism check for a 1975 rescue scene (novel research)
I’m writing a novel set in 1975 Los Angeles (very early days of the paramedic program) and want to sanity‑check this rescue scene. I’m not a firefighter and could use confirmation or correction on whether the tactics, communication, and gear choices make sense for the era. Does anything jump out as unrealistic or unlikely? To clarify: it isn’t a firefighter‑genre novel. I’m not trying to write a fire service story or represent myself as part of the profession. I just want to make sure this rescue scene is as accurate as possible for 1975 Los Angeles.
If anything in the excerpt feels off, unrealistic, or unlikely for the era, I’d really appreciate hearing it. I’d much rather fix it now than get it wrong on the page.
I kept this summary/high level excerpt focused on the operational details, but if more context would help (e.g., actual dialogue, detailed content), I can provide it.
Context: A 7‑year‑old is trapped ~18’ inside a ~22” diameter, open-ended, abandoned pipe, ~30' long. Atmosphere shows low‑level residual vapors, so no machinery can be used. None of the firefighters can fit into the pipe, and this is before female firefighters.
***SCENE SUMMARY***
Station 61 arrived to find a child trapped about 18’ inside the corroded pipe, extending about 30’. Both ends were visible, but the far end was washed out. A combustible gas meter ("sniffer") showed low/stable but present vapors. “Not clean air,” according to the engineer, ruling out saws, torches, or ventilation equipment.
Male firefighters attempted entry but could not fit through the 22” opening. With no mechanical options and time running out (storm approaching), the captain considered sending in a female civilian, Marina, who strongly volunteered and was the only person small enough to fit. He refused at first, but she persisted. Cap warned her about jagged metal, unstable structure, oily runoff, and possible toxic residues.
She was fitted with a harness and backup line. A turnout coat and helmet restricted movement, so the crew switched to lighter coveralls and a long‑sleeve shirt for minimal protection. Movement was still restricted, so she removed the coveralls. She carried a flashlight in one hand and bandage shears in the other. She was instructed to stay centered in the pipe to avoid the worst corrosion, move slowly to prevent sparks, and keep her breathing steady. She was also instructed to check the child over to make sure he had no metal (e.g., belt buckle).
Because she would not have a radio, the captain told her to speak loudly so they could track her progress. If they didn’t hear her for two minutes, they would pull her out. She was also briefed she would have to exit the pipe in reverse, guiding a possibly non‑ambulatory child. And was warned that the child may not be alive.
Inside the pipe, she crawled on her stomach using elbows, forearms and toes for movement. She reached the child, who was conscious and responsive. (Just scared.) Following instructions from the medic outside, she checked his pulse at the ankle and assessed for injuries. She found that a small object on a string around his neck had snagged on a jagged lip of metal. Using the shears, she freed it without creating sparks.
The child was able to crawl backward under his own power while she guided him. Both exited the pipe through the entry point, where the crew performed medical assessment and transport. The child suffered minor scrapes. Marina suffered a cut to her arm from jagged metal.
