When an accident happens on farm. It’s rarely a mere scratch.
As we know, agriculture is one of the most dangerous industries. And when things go wrong, they go really wrong.
In 2023 there were 122 non-fatal injuries and 32 fatalities on Australian farms. How many first responders were trained in first aid? How much lower would these figures be if all responders were trained and armed with a suitable first-aid kit?
We know, It’s a lot of ‘what ifs', but imagine how many deaths, amputations or loss of income could have been prevented if everyone knew what to do in an emergency.
We’ll cover the importance of first aid on farm and what your first-aid kit should cover.
Why is first aid important on farms?
You don’t have to look further than Robyn Neilson to ask that question.
In 2002, Roybn was the first responder to her neighbour who had their arm caught in a post-hole digger.
Located on a cattle property in rural Queensland, it took The Royal Flying Doctors' Service two hours to arrive once the call was dispatched.
The neighbour’s life was in Robyn's hands for those two hours.
Robyn single-handedly kept her neighbour alive during that period. And is believed to be the sole reason why her neighbour is alive today. You can learn more about Robyn’s story.
While Robyn was previously a trained nurse with clinical training, she is a huge advocate for consistent first-aid training and accessible equipment.
Being on a rural property in the middle of woop-woop is isolating. When things go wrong, your neighbour is your closest asset. And in return, you’re theirs too.
But it’s not only first aid they need to know if you’re in and out of consciousness.
Besides emergency services, who else should they be contacting for you?
Do you have a landing strip on your property? Can they provide directions to emergency services?
If you do require immediate medical attention, is your neighbour capable of administering first aid or CPR?
These questions are important and without an answer, your life may hang in the balance.
What about lone or remote workers?
It can be hard for lone or remote workers to find help in an emergency, not to mention slower response times. That’s why it is essential for lone workers to undergo first aid training - due to the dangers and potential risks they face while on the job.
Solo work can mean putting in long hours that are not very social, with demanding physical and mental tasks. What are the risks for lone workers?
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they are more vulnerable
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higher risk of work-related violence and aggression
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more likely to suffer from stress and mental health (such as anxiety, stress, fear, and depression)
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feeling excluded and disconnected due to the absence of social and emotional support can be really challenging
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they may miss out on crucial information, training, or instructions
The point of first aid training is so individuals can help each other in case of an emergency. But for lone workers, they are their own first responders. Having a grasp on first-aid essentials can assist lone workers with managing their own safety until help is available.
First aid training can equip your lone workers with the knowledge of icing injuries, applying tourniquets accurately, and treating wounds and burns. Training could also teach individuals to be aware of their own health and recognise when they are feeling unwell.
How do you prepare for an emergency?
Start by setting up an emergency plan with your neighbour or workers. Create a printable or digital copy of your emergency information that can be shared with those around you.
This can include:
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Emergency contacts
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Important contacts
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Your Neighbour's contact details
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Location of the first-aid kit
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Property location and directions for emergency services
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Hazards on your property to be aware of
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Location of landing strip or next safest place to land
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Nearest medical facility
Consider utilising or creating an Emergency Card. FarmSafe Australia provides a free downloadable resource to fill out. At a glance, your first responder can provide your address, property directions and call important contacts.
Safe Ag System also provides a digital solution. Under Emergency Management, you’re able to call 000, list important contacts, add directions for emergency services and access the Health Actions Plans of the patient.
Do you also have an effective communication system in place? These can be two-way radios, mobile phones and the use of emergency beacons (EPIRB and PLB).
Ensuring all lone workers have a two-way radio or mobile phone on them at all times, saves time trying to find them if things go wrong. Take note of where they’re working, what route they took and what time they’re expected back.
Being aware and prepared before an incident occurs may just save a life.
What should my farms first-aid kit cover?
Unfortunately, the likelihood of an on-farm incident only needing a band-aid is slim. In extreme cases, you may be face-to-face with the loss of limbs, burns or broken bones. And blood, lots of blood.
A common first-aid kit will not cover most injuries sustained on farms. When purchasing or creating your first-aid kit, ensure it covers the following:
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Snake and spider bites
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Sprains, cuts, burns and broken or crushed bones
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Electrocution
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Drowning or asphyxiation
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Eye injuries
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Amputation or crush of limbs in unguarded machinery
There are multiple pre-made first-aid kits for agriculture you can buy online. The team at Safe Ag Systems has provided a Checklist template for First Aid Content, available in our software, to help you ensure you have what you need. GrainGrowers provides a comprehensive list of what should be inside of your first aid kit this harvest season.
But while the equipment is important, it's useless without a trained hand to utilise it.
Some steps you can take to keep lone and remote workers safe:
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Before they leave, tell someone where their headed and when they plan to get back
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ensure they have the right proper communication equipment to stay connected
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Take enough water and food
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Promote a call-in / check-in system - arrange to call at a specific time
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make sure they have a fully stocked, up-to-date first aid kit - and they know how to use it
How do you administer CPR?
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is a life-saving skill to have. It circulates oxygen and blood flow within the body. Keeping your brain and vital organs alive.
This is done by actioning DRSABCD. No, I didn’t just slam on the keyboard.
It's a real acronym for a very important action plan when assessing for CPR.
But what does it mean?
Danger, Response, Send for help, Airway, Breathing, CPR, Defibrillation.
The action plan was designed to guide first-aiders during an emergency. A clever way to remember it is 'DRS ABCD'.
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Check for danger - Ensure you and your patient aren’t in a dangerous area that could put you at risk
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Any response? - Is your patient responding to you shouting their name or squeezing their hand?
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Send for help - Ring 000 yourself or ask someone else at the scene to make the call
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Airway - You’re preparing for CPR. Check your patient's mouth, throat and nose for any blockages (blood, vomit, food). Remove these blockages from the airways
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Breathing - See if breathing has resumed. If so, place them on their side in a recovery position. If they have not started to breath after 10 seconds, start CPR
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CPR - Start chest compressions and mouth-to-mouth
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Defibrillation - If available, use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). Follow its instructions
Being trained in first aid is more than being handed a certificate. It's having the knowledge and power to save lives.
First aid courses are accessible all around Australia and some providers may conduct group training at your property on request.
But it doesn’t stop there. There’s nothing worse than studying and practising, only to get stage fright and forget your training the moment you’re called upon.
Put your training into practice and keep your first aid certificate current.
Keep safe, keep farming by ensuring you and your farm are prepared for the worst. Take the time to create an emergency plan, notify neighbours and train your team in first aid.
It may end up saving your life.
Image supplied by Rescue Swag, Australia's toughest first aid kit.
Topics: Safety Management System, Farm Safety Week
Disclaimer: Content on this website may be of relevance to users outside of Australia, but content links and examples are specific to Australia. Please check with your local authority for your country and industry requirements.
