DAVIESS CO., KY (WFIE) -
The number of grain bin accidents in the country increases during harvest season and now the Daviess County Fire Department is more prepared to handle those rescue situations with new equipment.
It happens in a matter of seconds.
"You can feel the bottom give way and drop a foot instantly without being aware it's fixing to happen to you," said Steve Beyke, a Daviess County farmer.
Farmers getting trapped in grain bins while working.
"You can be above grain one second then one minute be up in your neck in it," Beyke said.
Emergency responders say they now feel better prepared to help farmers like Beyke if he is ever trapped.
"Farming is the number two killer in the United States next to underground mining," said Chief Dwayne Smeathers, with the Daviess County Fire Department.
Local FFA chapters stepped in this year and raised more than a thousand dollars to supply a rescue tube and Grain Systems, Inc. donated another.
"It's really personal to us because we could know somebody in this situation," said FFA member Elizabeth Lampert.
The tubes are designed to enclose the victim to relive pressure for a safer rescue. Shields form around the victim so grain can be removed quickly.
Smothers says this equipment will be shared with neighboring counties, although he hopes they never have to use it.
Fire crews will start hands on training with the equipment to make sure rescues are safe and effective.
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