People who work in and around grain bins have to be very careful as the conditions always pose risks — risks for which many local first responders receive regular training on how to mitigate in areas where farming is prevalent.
One farmer in Jennings County, Indiana, was especially thankful for the training his rescuers received after he became trapped in a grain bin on Monday.
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The Westport Fire Department, Jennings County Fire Department and Letts Community Volunteer Fire Department were among the organizations that showed up to help the man, armed with specialized equipment including a vacuum truck.
When first responders arrived, they quickly realized this was going to be an incredibly tricky rescue.
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“When the first units arrived, they found the patient engulfed in grain up to his mouth,” the Letts Community Volunteer Fire Department posted on Facebook.
“Only his face and top of his head was visible. To complicate the rescue more, there was a large area of rotten grain bridged two feet above the patient.
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“Fire crews went immediately to work getting the grain rescue equipment into the bin. They [were] able to install the ‘Great Wall Grain Tube’ around the patient. Grain was able to be removed from around the patient.”
After a little over an hour of meticulous work and clearing the grain from around the farmer, they were able to attach a harness to him and pull him out.
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“This operation was the most complex rescues we have ever been involved with,” the fire department shared. “The outcome would not have been possible without the Jennings and Decatur County dispatches, Westport FD, Campbell TWP FD, Spencer TWP FD, Jennings County SD, Rescue 20, City of Greensburg Waste Water (vac truck) Justin Greathouse (grain vac). Statfight medical helicopter (on standby at the scene).”
Many locals commented on the post to commend the life-saving work that was done that day.
“This was an AWSOME rescue the best solution and result for the scenario,” the Jennings County Sheriff’s Office commented.
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“God bless all of you for working together to save this man’s life!” one person wrote. “What a blessing for all of the man power, equipment, skills, and knowledge it took!”
“Many many thanks to all who contributed and helped,” wrote a person who appeared to be related to the imperiled farmer.
“Our family greatly appreciated it. We are blessed the good lord was on our side. Thanks for your service Decatur and Jennings County.”
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal.