(WNY News Now) – Jamestown, NY – Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County is set to host a critical Grain Bin Safety and Rescue Training, aiming to safeguard lives by preparing farm owners, employees, and first responders for potential grain entrapment emergencies.
This educational program will be held on Thursday, August 22nd beginning at 6:00 pm at the Chautauqua County Emergency Office, 2 Academy Street, Mayville, NY. Anyone interested in learning more to prevent and help save lives in grain entrapment accidents is welcome to attend. We do request participants to be at least 16 years of age, due to liability considerations.
The Chautauqua County Office of Emergency Services and Chautauqua County Farm Bureau cooperatively applied for and were recently selected to receive specialized rescue training and equipment needed to respond to a grain entrapment incident in Chautauqua County and nearby areas. The new equipment will be awarded and demonstrated at this safety and rescue program.
Since 2014, Nationwide and partners have awarded 332 grain rescue tubes to first responders across 32 states – eclipsing over $1 million in resources provided. At least ten successful rescues have utilized these resources, including the recent rescues in Arkansas and Indiana. Nationwide collaborates each year with the National Education Center for Agricultural Safety (NECAS) to deliver the rescue equipment and provide safety training.
Jim Joy, Grape Grower and Chautauqua County Farm Bureau Board Member stated: “This grain bin rescue training and specialized equipment grant is the result of dedicated teamwork between the Chautauqua County Special Rescue Team and Chautauqua County Farm Bureau. These combined efforts now provide our county special rescue team members the ability to respond with confidence and knowledge to any grain bin rescue operation in Chautauqua County and surrounding areas.” If you have any questions regarding this training, please contact Jim Joy at 716-467-4200.
Did you know these Startling Facts: Injuries & Fatalities from grain bins * Sources: Summary of U.S. Agricultural Confined Space-Related Injuries and Fatalities; Purdue University
- In 2022, at least 42 grain entrapments were reported, the highest number of entrapments in a decade (a 44.8% increase from 2021). There were 15 fatalities.
- In four seconds, an adult can sink knee-deep in flowing grain and be rendered unable to free themselves without assistance. In just 20 seconds, an adult can be fully engulfed.
- Suffocation from engulfment or oxygen-deficient atmospheres is the leading cause of death in grain accidents.
- More than 300 grain entrapments have been recorded in the past decade. It is estimated an additional 30% of cases go unreported.
The program instructor will be Brian Freese, B.A., NR-Paramedic, Fire Instructor 2, NECAS Safety and Rescue Instructor, from Peosta, Iowa. Thanks to local grain producers who will provide the grain and loading equipment for the demonstration. There is no charge to participate, and complimentary pizza and beverages will be provided to all participants by the Chautauqua County Office of Emergency Services.
To attend, RSVP by August 20th by contacting Lisa Kempisty at 716-664-9502 Ext 203 or ljk4@cornell.edu.
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