Confined space rescue involves the rescue and recovery of victims trapped in a confined space or in a place only accessible through confined spaces, such as underground vaults, storage silos, storage tanks or sewers.

Confined space rescues can be technically challenging due to the environment in which they occur. The spaces are  narrow and constricting, preventing easy access by rescuers. They are usually very little light, so rescuers must provide their own light source.

Confined spaces often contain hazardous materials in liquid or gas form that can be harmful or fatal to humans. These hazards create a limited window in which to perform a rescue.

The urgent need to rescue someone from a confined space often leads to ill-prepared rescue attempts. The need for confined space training is commonly seen and but not always recognized.