GFB 2nd District HOSTS RESCUE TRAINING

By Katie Alt

Twenty-two volunteer firefighters gathered March 24-26 for a Farm Machinery Rescue Training held by Georgia Farm Bureau’s Second District with training led by the Tennessee Association of Rescue Squads (TNARS). Attendees were able to earn 16 continuing education hours while being trained in the classroom and on the ground in numerous farm rescue drills. Scenarios included those with a hay baler, tractor, combine, and skid steer.

“Statistically speaking, agriculture has been one of the top three most dangerous occupations for many years,” said Brian Robinson, TNARS training coordinator.

Robinson encourages farmers to pre-plan just like emergency responders do.

“Take a walk around the shop, farm, barn, equipment etc. and see what hazards are there or could be potential hazards,” he said.

Robinson also advises farmers to work with neighbors and family members on a plan in the event of an emergency.

“A lot of times a neighbor or family member will be called to assist and no one remembers to contact 911. Calling 911 first, then going to render aid gets the emergency response wheels in motion,” Robinson said.

It’s important to be prepared for an emergency, Robinson said. Simple things Robinson suggests farmers do to be prepared include labeling containers with their contents, knowing eye wash procedures and having clean water close, having your charged cell phone nearby or having a charger in the equipment. It’s also important to let someone know where you’ll be working on the farm and your expected time of arrival/departure.

“Another simple thing for someone who has multiple chicken houses is to label or paint a number on each house so responders can go directly to the incident when they arrive, instead of driving around trying to figure out which house the victim is in,” said Robinson.

Robinson encourages anyone interested in hosting a similar training to visit www.tnars.org.

Volunteer firefighters in Northeast Georgia learn how to rescue farmers injured in farm machinery accidents during an event GFB's District 2 held in March. Photo Courtesy of TNARS