MAYVILLE, N.Y. – Chautauqua County’s Technical Rescue Team has enhanced its capabilities with new life-saving equipment, thanks to a grant from Nationwide Insurance and a collaboration with the Chautauqua County Farm Bureau.
The new equipment, funded by a $5,500 grant, includes specialized metal panels and a rescue auger designed to form a protective wall around victims trapped in grain bins. The auger then removes the grain from within the barrier, allowing rescuers to safely free the individual. Without this gear, grain entrapment poses a life-threatening risks that can escalate rapidly.
“As you sink into the grain, it compresses around you like quicksand. Without the proper knowledge and tools, the situation becomes critical very quickly,” said Jim Joy, Director of the Chautauqua County Farm Bureau, emphasizing the gravity of grain bin accidents.
Joy noted that many accidents occur when individuals enter grain bins to clear blockages, often unaware of the dangers they face. He shared an example of a recent incident where an individual became trapped after dropping a tool into the bin.
“They went in to retrieve a wrench and ended up stuck. A second person tried to help and got trapped too. These types of accidents can escalate quickly,” Joy explained. “The new equipment allows first responders to stabilize the victim and create a safe zone while carefully removing the grain around them. This is life-saving technology that will help prevent tragedies.”
The grain bin rescue gear was tested during a specialized rescue training seminar last month at the County’s Emergency Operations Center in Mayville, where Steve Bourgeois, Special Operations Coordinator for Chautauqua County Emergency Services, participated in a hands-on session using the new specialized panels to create a protective barrier around a trapped individual.
“Our team is now trained to respond swiftly and safely in these situations, creating a space where we can carefully remove the grain and free the person,” said Bourgeois. “This equipment is critical in ensuring that we don’t turn a rescue mission into a recovery.”
Bourgeois also highlighted the importance of proper training to avoid becoming a second victim.
“It’s human nature to want to jump in and help, but without the right equipment and knowledge, you could end up trapped as well. We’re teaching our team how to take a step back, assess the situation, and respond safely,” Bourgeois said.
The need for such specialized equipment has become increasingly apparent as farming accidents continue to occur across the region. The Chautauqua County Technical Rescue Team, now better equipped and trained, is prepared to assist not only locally but in neighboring counties as well.
“This is not just for Chautauqua County. We can be dispatched to assist in Cattaraugus County, Erie County, Pennsylvania, and beyond,” said Joy, underscoring the regional impact of the new equipment.
The acquisition of the rescue equipment and the ongoing training is a testament to the collaboration between the Chautauqua County Farm Bureau, Chautauqua County Emergency Services, and Nationwide Insurance.
Joy expressed gratitude for the partnership, noting that the efforts were a group endeavor to ensure the safety of the local farming community.
As the fall harvest season approaches, the timing of the equipment's arrival is particularly significant.
“Farmers will soon be harvesting corn and other crops, and we want to make sure they have the support they need to stay safe,” said Joy. “This equipment is truly life-saving, and we are proud to be able to provide it to our community.”
