Over the past few years, we have seen an increase in grain bin incidents. This may be due to the increase in size of grain storage facilities and the speed of the auger systems. Regardless of the cause we have also seen improvements in survival. This can be attributed to efforts made by the Iowa Fire Service Training Bureau, The Iowa Firefighter Training funds, The Iowa Firefighters Association, and Professional Rescue Innovations (PRI). Working together to provide specialized training to Iowa fire departments. If your department has not completed this training I would encourage you toe reach out to the FSTB or PRI to set up a full program. If you have previously done this then this drill is intended to practice these skills you have learned.
We begin by working with a local farmer that is willing to let us perform a rescue from his bins. It helps if a family member is on your department. We worked with a local ag service to provide a meal for the regional participants. We invited area departments and had a great turnout! This was super because if this occurred we would all likely be there together. We began with a short refresher on three categories. The first was on rope rescue. This is a very perishable skill that must be practiced regularly! We have an aerial device on our department so it adds some safety and speed to the overall rescue. The second category was grain extrication. This included locating the victim, assessing, and sta
bilizing them. This also included the use of the rescue tube/panels and rescue augers. It is good to utilize the emergency medical services during the evolutions as well. Be certain to have them discuss patient care while they are waiting during the rescue. The final station covered lock out tag out of machinery as well as cutting relief holes in the bin. We were given a section of grain bin material from a local contractor to demonstrate the use of the cutting tools. Although very willing to allow us to use his bins, the farmer did not want us to cut them 😊
After the refresher was completed we performed two simulated rescues with mannequins in the bins. After the rescues were completed we did a “hot wash” of the events to discuss what worked, what didn’t work, and what we would do differently. The overall event was a great success!
Training Objectives
Upon completion, the firefighter should be able to….
1. Identify common exposures to grain bin incidents.
2. Develop an incident action plan to perform a bin rescue.
3. Demonstrate the ability to work as a team to complete a grain bin rescue.
4. List hazards to rescuers in grain bin incidents and take steps to mitigate those hazards.
Scott Meinecke is a member of the Sheldon Volunteer Fire Department, an instructor for the Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives, and field staff for the Fire Service Training Bureau.
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