Having the proper rescue tools and training can be the difference between life and death for rural first responders rushing to save someone trapped in a grain bin. Corteva Agriscience™, Agriculture Division of DowDuPont, is equipping communities with lifesaving equipment by donating 21 grain rescue tubes to fire departments nationwide.
The grain rescue tube is made up of six panels that are slid into place around the victim. Once inserted, the tube halts the flow of grain and relieves the pressure on the trapped individual. One cubic foot for grain weighs 50 pounds, and, without the tube, grain can continue to collapse on the victim as fast as rescuers remove it. Pulling out a 165-pound person buried neck-deep in grain requires 625 pounds of force.
“Grain bin accidents happen quickly and are often life-threatening,” said Wilmot Fire Department Chief Jake Huff, a recent recipient of a grain rescue tube. “Being able to get to the scene quickly and having the proper rescue equipment and training can be the difference between someone making it home or not. We hope we never have to use it, but if we do, we’ll be ready.”
The danger of grain entrapment and the need for adequate training and equipment for first responders is clear. According to Purdue University, an average of 30.7 people per year die in grain bin asphyxiation and entrapment accidents nationwide, based on 10-year averages. In 2017, 52% of entrapments were fatal.
The danger of grain bins cannot be discounted. The National Education Center for Agricultural Safety (NECAS) is dedicated to preventing farming and ranching injuries. For NECAS-approved steps to help reduce grain bin accidents, visit www.necasag.org.
Accidents can happen, even when safety protocols are followed. Be sure to have an emergency plan in place.
If you find yourself trapped, stay calm and contact help. If you are going to be engulfed, take off your hat and cover your mouth and nose to avoid inhaling grain.
About Corteva Agriscience™, Agriculture Division of DowDuPont
Corteva Agriscience™, Agriculture Division of DowDuPont (NYSE: DWDP), is intended to become an independent, publicly traded company when the previously announced spinoff is complete by June 2019. The division combines the strengths of DuPont Pioneer, DuPont Crop Protection and Dow AgroSciences. Corteva Agriscience provides growers around the world with the most complete portfolio in the industry — including some of the most recognized brands in agriculture: Pioneer®, Granular, the newly launched Brevant™seeds, as well as award-winning Crop Protection products — while bringing new products to market through our solid pipeline of active chemistry and technologies. More information can be found at www.corteva.com.
Follow Corteva Agriscience on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube.
