Class provides hands-on grain-bin rescue experience
BROKEN BOW - A grain-bin safety simulator came to Broken Bow as part of a safety class offered by Mid-Plains Community College. During the four hour course, participants had the opportunity to gain hands-on experience rescuing a person trapped in grain.
The class was taught by Tim Zehnder, Director of Fire Science, and Phil Larsen, Rope Technician, both of Mid-Plains in McCook. They also demonstrated rope system techniques and how to prepare or “package” a victim for transport.
Timing is of the essence when a person is trapped in grain. Suffocation can occur in seconds. Larsen described the action of the grain as being similar to that of a boa constrictor. “Every time you breathe out, it tightens up,” he said. As the pressure on the body intensifies, organs can begin to shut down.
Using top-of-the-line equipment, Zehnder and Larsen demonstrated rope techniques that can be controlled with the light touch of two fingers. For rescue departments that may not have the same equipment available, they also demonstrated a friction tie over a ladder rung that also can be lightly controlled.
During the rescue, curved metal panels were placed around the victim. The rescuers placed plastic grates on top of the grain so they could safely move about. Before sinking the panels into the grain, rescuers used a pole to make sure the panels could be placed without striking the victim. Once the victim was encircled, an auger attached to a hand-drill was used to clear out the grain. Members of local departments said they use a vacuum system to clear the grain.
Trent Fecht with the Ansley Fire Department was one of the volunteer victims caught in plastic PVC pellets. “There was a lot of pressure just being buried knee deep,” he said. “It’s amazing how fast you can sink.”
Chris Walker of the Mason City Fire Department also experienced the rescue as a victim. “It didn’t take long for my legs to get tired,” he said. “It wasn’t more than five minutes. You can’t move.”
Luke Bell works for a local farmer and appreciated the opportunity to attend the class. “It’s a good experience to have,” he said. “I’ll be better able to handle it if the situation occurs.”
Pat Zulkoski with Broken Bow Fire Department appreciated seeing the rope system, the way a ladder was secured on top of a grain bin and the different equipment. “This is fantastic,” Zulkoski said. “It just shows what you can get by thinking outside the box. All you can do is say ‘Wow, we can do this!’”