VIDEO: Farming is crucial to our way of life in North Dakota, but it can be dangerous work at times. In 2020, our state ranked second in the nation for grain-bin related entrapments, according to NDSU Extension. First responders are going through special training to rescue farmers trapped in bins. It happens faster than you think, just ask Brennor Grinstead.
โDefinitely didnโt realize how quick it can happen, as soon as you turn the auger on, Shelby went pretty quick,โ said Grinstead. Grinstead is a volunteer firefighter in Stanley. He joined roughly six months ago and wanted to learn more about grain bin rescue operations. That training is something instructor Jory Danielson said he believes is helpful for first responders.
โFirefighters and rescuers, we canโt become victims; we need to know what the areas of potential hazards are for our own safety,โ said Danielson. Stanley Rural Ambulance also took part in Tuesdayโs training. โWe want to ensure that all of our first responders are capable of operating at these incidents,โ said Timothy Swanson. Timothy Swanson, manager of the ambulance district, said this was their first chance to go through this type of training.
He shares that they receive a lot of farming-related calls in the summer and fall. Danielson said that as farmers go about daily tasks, all it takes is one change to create an accident. โWe lose about 40 farmers a year to grain entrapment, nationally,โ said Danielson. Grinstead recognized the importance of keeping your composure when the pressure is on to save someone.
โJust staying relaxed now that weโve done it here and ran through it in a calm environment, you can always resort back to that,โ said Grinstead. Danielson suggested heavy ag communities complete grain training once or twice a year. The training was conducted by Fire Instruction & Rescue Education and the National Education Center for Agriculture Safety.
