OLDS — The Olds Fire Department has received some key equipment to help rescue people who get trapped in grain.
The Canadian Agricultural Safety Association (CASA), in partnership with Corteva Agriscience Canada, has provided the department with a GSI RES-Q-TUBE and a Haul-ALL pencil auger, both of which are essential in rescuing a grain entrapment victim.
“When used in combination, the grain rescue tube creates a barrier between the victim and the grain while the auger helps rescuers quickly move the grain away from the victim," a town news release said.
The department participated in BeGrainSafe, CASA’s grain safety program, in the summer of 2019.
The BeGrainSafe program emphasizes prevention and raises awareness on the dangers of grain, alongside preparing fire departments for grain rescues.
It consists of one day of theory and a second day of practical training and evaluation, with an emphasis placed on firefighters learning how to safely extract an individual trapped in grain, using a cofferdam and auger.
“The Olds Fire Department is extremely happy with the partnership of agencies such as Corteva, and CASA to provide vital training and equipment to assist in providing effective and vital service to the agricultural sector in our service area,” the news release said.
Olds Mayor Michael Muzychka and Mountain View County Coun. Al Kemmere said the county is fortunate to have this type of rescue equipment available the area, a strong rural farming community.
