First responders, farmers urged to attend grain rescue training in Lisbon

 LISBON Organizers say there are still openings available for those wishing to participate in a training program designed to help first responders and farmers reduce the growing number of grain bin entrapment incidents in Ohio.

The free, hands-on session, known as Grain C.A.R.T. (Comprehensive Agricultural Rescue Trailer) training, will be held this Saturday at the Columbiana County Fairgrounds. The program is a collaborative effort between the Ohio State University Extension and the Ohio Fire Academy.

The Grain C.A.R.T. is a state-of-the-art mobile training unit designed to simulate real-life grain entrapment scenarios. It was developed to help rural rescue teams increase their knowledge and skills when responding to agricultural emergencies.

The training program provides first responders with an understanding of farming practices and equipment, which is helpful when they are called to the scene of an incident. The unit also reinforces best management practices for farmers working around grain storage bins. The comprehensive agricultural rescue program, which began as a collaboration in the late 1980s, is made possible through public-private partnerships with agribusinesses.

Grain bins are considered confined spaces and pose significant risks, with suffocation by engulfment being a leading cause of death. According to a Purdue University study, more than 900 grain engulfment cases have been reported over the past 50 years, with a fatality rate of 62%. The number of entrapments and related deaths has been increasing, with a 65% rise between 2017 and 2019 alone.

An engulfment can happen in a matter of seconds. When grain becomes "bridged," creating an air pocket, it can collapse unexpectedly, burying a person in as little as 20 seconds. The dense, quicksand-like nature of the grain makes self-rescue nearly impossible. Incidents often occur when a person enters a bin to check on the condition of the grain or to address equipment malfunctions.

The training will focus on safe rescue techniques and increasing awareness of the hazards. Organizers are encouraging farmers and farm managers to attend, as they are often the first on the scene of an emergency. The training will take place on Saturday at 9 a.m. at the Old Coliseum, located at the Columbiana County Fairgrounds, 225 Lee Ave., Lisbon. Lunch will be provided.

A recent incident in Columbiana County highlighted the need for such training. In January, a worker at a feed mill in Homeworth was trapped inside a feed hauler. He was safely rescued after about an hour by the Homeworth and Alliance Fire Departments. The chief noted the worker was fortunate to have non-life-threatening injuries.

To RSVP, individuals can call 330-967-7249 or email shoemaker.306@osu.edu with their name and department.