Local emergency units rescued an Irma man from a grain bin after he was covered in grain during an incident on Friday, Feb. 9.
The call came to Irma Fire and Rescue at 10:04 a.m. telling the department that a man was trapped in a grain bin and needed to be extricated.
The man had been covered in wheat “up to his chest and unable to move,” according to the Irma Fire and Rescue Facebook page account.
Grain bin rescue equipment was needed so Wainwright Fire and Rescue and Edgerton Emergency Services Department were both called in to provide these life saving devices.
Also called in was the National Defence Fire Department, which had a ladder truck to help remove the trapped individual via the top of the bin.
By 4:35 the situation had been resolved and Irma Fire and Rescue took time to update the public.
“It was a long and difficult extrication and we are glad to report the patient was not injured,” stated the report, and taking time to acknowledge and thank “all our regional partners for all of your hard work. It’s amazing to see how well these departments all work together.”
Another important emphasis was made following the successful operation, and that was concerning the need for taking steps to stay safe while working on the farm.
“We would also like to take this opportunity to remind everyone that farm safety is of utmost importance,” was the message to the public.
“A situation can go sideways in a matter of seconds.”
This year, Canadian Agriculture Safety Week is being held from March 10-16 with the theme “Your farm, your family, your success.” This is a three-year campaign celebrating farm safety across the country. The call is going out to encourage farmers, farm families, farm workers, and farming communities.
Patricia Harcourt
Editor
