Participants work to release a dummy from a chain baler at the agricultural rescue training course. More than 50 firefighters and emergency responders from surrounding area volunteer units attended the day-long class.
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Emergencies involving people trapped in farm equipment require specialized knowledge and skills. The department of emergency medical technology (EMT) instructors and students from the Health Science Center, in conjunction with the East Central Citizens Forum, sponsored an agricultural rescue class in June that trains volunteer firefighters and emergency responders how to extricate victims caught in farm equipment.

“Normally fire fighters are trained in fire suppression, rescue operations, medical and extrication, but do not receive training in agricultural rescue,” said Geoffrey Smith, EMT instructor at the Health Science Center and program organizer. “Everyone who took the class benefited because they are now familiar with farm equipment and that will allow them to be more effective and safer while extricating someone in the future.”

More than 50 participants practiced extricating dummies from a grain drill, shredder, chain baler, tractor and auger. Instructors demonstrated correct methods for lifting and turning off farm equipment.

Extrication specialists from the San Antonio Fire Department’s Station 11 rescue team, who are experts with farm equipment operation, volunteered to teach the participants how to safely work around farm equipment, how to shut the equipment down and, if necessary, lift, move or rip it open to get to a victim. Equipment for the program was donated by Bill’s Tractor Supply and Southeast Bexar County citizens.

Another agricultural rescue training class is planned for the winter.