Learn rescue techniques for grain bin entrapmentLearn rescue techniques for grain bin entrapment

Grain entrapment continues to be a major farm safety issue causing multiple injuries and deaths each year. How to rescue someone trapped in grain will be a part of this year’s Husker Harvest Days on Sept. 14-16 in Grand Island, Neb.

Cooperative Producers Inc. will provide live grain engulfment and rescue simulations at Husker Harvest Days on Lot 53 during the show. The training will be provided by the Safety and Technical Rescue Association (SATRA). Simulations will be done at least once an hour, with all ages welcome to participate and learn more about the dangers of grain entrapment.

Firsthand experience

The live simulations are done in a controlled environment but designed to be as real as possible. The demonstrations use all safe bin-entry practices.

Show attendees can play the roles of either a bin entrant or attendant. The entrant, wearing a harness and lifeline, enters the simulator and becomes a victim of a grain entrapment. Three other attendants must work together to free the victim from the entrapment using a Res-Q Tube.

Every attendee can experience what it feels like to be the victim of a grain entrapment and act as a rescuer. The experience drives home the point that grain entrapments present a true danger and that entrapment prevention is essential.

“Grain bin entrapments on the farm continue to be an ongoing concern, and anything we can do to help train our farmers and first responders on grain engulfment rescue is a win in our book,” says Doran Burmood, vice president of health and safety at Cooperative Producers Inc. “We’re excited to offer HHD show attendees the ability to learn about the dangers of grain entrapment in a controlled environment.”

Training entities

Cooperative Producers Inc. is a farmer-owned cooperative headquartered in Hastings and located in 30 communities throughout south-central Nebraska.

SATRA, providing the HHD training, is a nonprofit organization that offers rapid search and rescue services, using trained search and rescue technicians to train or respond to various disasters.

Trainings offered include OSHA compliance, grain handling safety, fall prevention, emergency mitigation and third-party evaluations.