Level of First Aid Training on Farms

[charliep]

Just got done taking a first aid course. I took it as a requirement of work but also recognize the importance in my personal life. Can't say I how I would handle an accident/health event but I have the basic training/skills.

Just curious what the level of first aid skills on farms? As the manager of your farm, do you have training to administer basic first aid? Do you require your employess to have first aid courses? Do you have plans in place if an emergency situationw were to occur?

[Braveheart]

Our entire team has basic plus first aid. Our son works oilfield in winter (winch truck) so has it. My wife just completed a course. My first aid training course is only a couple years stale.

Two years ago, I choked on a piece of steak. I looked at my son and motioned. He calmly got up and used heimlich to clear it. (The joke after was, "you could have got the farm sooner".) it was no joke that he saved my life.

I urge everyone to get first aid training. You just never know.

[rockpile]

My wife and I both took St Johns back in 70's. Later, as a volunteer firefighter, I took more intensive training. Fortunately, neither of us ever had to use our training. Farms are a very dangerous work site. Possibly the best outcome of the training was identifying hazards and taking safety seriously. Having said that, I've seen some pretty goofy things neighbours did. Once you need intervention you can be assured someone has screwed up. Accidents don't happen btw.

[sumdumguy]

Just heard that a 63 year old farmer at Plunkett was pinned and never made it. We need you all on Agriville this winter so be careful.

[furrowtickler]

We have zero other than cell phones

[grefer]

Rocklile. Tell that to the hundreds of families who lose a loved one in an ...... Oh gee I'm stuck for words. To say there is no such thing as an accident is assuming we live in a perfect world, where each decision made is the right one.

[charliep]

To bring back to the topic, the health emergency could be any health event that threatens a life or requires some kind of human intervention. The personal example Braveheart gave was choking. The course dealt with babies and choking so could be a grand child or daughter/son. Could be a heart attack or stroke as well. Someone who spilled grain and is shovelling hard to get cleaned up.

Would someone on your farm be prepared to deal with an emergency? What about the first responder? Do you have adequate first aid kits at strategic places where they can be found?

I should say this was a refresher/not my first course. I came to the conclusion early in the course I should be reviewing first aid procedures much more often than I am. Stuff happens where ever you are. Would be nice to provide the same level of care to someone else that I would expect if I were the one on the ground and fighting for life.

[Braveheart]

We try to have first aid supplies in trucks. They're usually close to the action.

I have a good one in my bug out fast bag. (I am a doomsday prepper).

I think though that first aid should have have some fire control with it. Fire is a real threat on farms. (Note to German neighbour, don't use ether in glow plug diesels, true!)

Fire extinguishers should be around, charged, and people should know how to use them.

We are lacking in the extinguisher dept., but hope to improve by next season.

[Braveheart]

Here's a tip for something that should be included in first aid kits that usually isn't.

We pack these little space/survival blankets. They're shiny foil like blankets. They fold into 2" x 4" x 3/4" packets. If someone is going into shock they'll keep warm. They're great in vehicles for winter travel safety. Cheap to buy too. I keep them in the bug out bag.

I was on a trail ride once where we were caught in an sudden wet snowstorm. An unprepared rider nearly died from hypothermia.

Worked a construction site in the '70s where an injured worker was going into shock. The crew foreman knew exactly what to do and got our coats on him to keep him warm while we put pressure on his head wound.

You just never know.