By Charlotte Morritt-Jacobs - (@morrittjacobs on Twitter)

EMS Learn about Incidents and Injuries on the Farm

Apr 11, 2016 | 5:54 PM

ALBERTA – Agriculture remains one of the most dangerous industries in the province.

That’s why fire fighters from across southern Alberta met this weekend to learn about how they can educate themselves and the public, in an effort to reduce farm injuries and incidents.

Over 20 first responders from the Taber, Vauxhall, Coaldale, Picture Butte and Nobleford department participated in the National Farmedic Training Program, presented by non-profit Agriculture for Life.

The course blended theory and practice, with fire fighters creating written rescue plans one day before training in the field with mock farm extrications and high angle rescues working with tractors, power takeoff devices and grain augers.

For over a decade Lynn Robert has taught the course and said that the biggest goal is prevention.

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Robert said that the course aims to inform EMS the hazards first responders can run into while on the scene.

“We inform about the chemicals and equipment found on the farm. Prevention starts with knowledge not only how to safely get someone out, but also how the fire fighters can be safe as well,” he said.

Roberts also said that in his time teaching he has noticed that missing guards on older machinery remain a leading cause in farm accidents.

Fire fighters were unable to practice on newer equipment because of the very destructive nature of the course.

Luree Williamson, CEO of Agriculture for Life was present at the event and said that the charity collaborates with equipment sponsors to remind farmers how to use older machinery and test out new technologies.

“We have seen a rise in the demand for the program from a variety of ages and community groups,” Williamson added. “According to stats we see young children and men over the age of 50 so it isn’t just new people on the farm.”

Williamson cited fatigue and complacency as some reasons behind the 18 fatalities the province sees on farms each year.