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First responders from across central Ohio will have the opportunity to gain critical, life-saving skills during the upcoming Farm Science Review at the Molly Caren Agricultural Center in London, Ohio. Two specialized, hands-on training sessions will address high-risk agricultural emergencies: manure pit rescues in confined spaces and roadside livestock transportation accidents.

The interactive workshops are sponsored by Ohio Farm Bureau, Nationwide, Ohio Federation of Soil and Water Conservation Districts and The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences Ag Safety Program. In addition to the scheduled sessions, agricultural safety specialists will be available throughout Farm Science Review.

Programming begins Tuesday, Sept. 22, from 3 to 6 p.m. with manure pit rescue and confined space training. Led by Dan Neenan, director of the National Education Center for Agricultural Safety, the session will guide firefighters, emergency personnel and local farmers through the hazards of manure storage facilities. Participants will learn air-quality monitoring techniques and practice using body harnesses, lifelines and retrieval equipment designed for safe confined-space rescues.

“On-farm manure storage poses a risk for injury or death not only to farmers, but to those who respond to emergencies on the farm,” said Neenan. “This training saves lives, and it is important for rural volunteer firefighters to train in agricultural rescue techniques. Many rural departments have not had training with confined space incidents, which could place both the victim and firefighters in danger.”

On Wednesday, Sept. 23, from 3 to 6 p.m., the series continues with livestock transportation and bovine emergency training, presented by Dr. John Yost, Haley Shoemaker, Ted Wiseman, Erika Lyons, Amanda Barnum and Sabrina Schirtzinger. Accidents involving livestock transport vehicles present unique challenges for emergency responders. This session will provide law enforcement, first responders, and emergency management agencies with standardized protocols to safely, humanely and efficiently manage roadside incidents involving livestock. The workshop will include hands-on demonstrations using trailers and specialized livestock equipment. No live animals will be present. 

“Livestock are transported on Ohio roadways every day, and most trips occur without incident. However, when a crash or emergency does occur, it is critical that responders know how to react safely, humanely, and efficiently,” according to Dee Jepsen, state specialist with the OSU Extension’s Ag Safety program. Both training sessions are geared toward volunteer firefighters, police officers, emergency managers, and local officials. While admission to Farm Science Review is required, no separate registration is needed for the training sessions. Certificates of completion will be available for participants seeking coursework education credit.

The manure pit rescue and confined space training take place at the be Soil & Water Conservation Park, at the corner of Beef Street and Friday Avenue.The livestock transportation training will be held on Kottman Street, between Friday Avenue and Land Avenue

For more information about the training sessions, email [email protected].

Ohio Farm Bureau’s mission is working together for Ohio farmers to advance agriculture and strengthen our communities. Learn more at ohiofarmbureau.org.

This is a news release for use by journalists. Questions should be directed to Ryan Matthews, 614-246-8210 or [email protected].