Mid-State Technical College, in partnership with Pittsville Fire Department, will host Ag Rescue Training on Oct. 23–24, bringing together emergency medical technicians, firefighters and rescue personnel for hands-on training focused on responding to agricultural emergencies.
The two-day training will be held at Mid-State's Marshfield Campus and Heiman Holsteins near Marshfield. The program is designed to help emergency responders strengthen their knowledge and skills for incidents involving agricultural operations, equipment, livestock and confined spaces.
Agricultural emergencies often present unique challenges for first responders, particularly as fewer emergency personnel have firsthand experience working in agricultural environments. Ag Rescue Training provides participants with practical instruction and real-world scenarios to help them prepare for the situations they may encounter in rural communities.
“Our rural communities rely on emergency responders to be prepared for a wide range of situations, including those involving farms and agricultural operations,” said Pittsville Fire Department fire chief Jerry Minor. “This training helps ensure responders have the knowledge and skills needed to protect both residents and fellow responders.”
The training will feature presentations and workshops led by industry and emergency response professionals covering topics such as agricultural tourism incidents, trauma response, confined-space gas hazards and large animal rescue. Participants will also take part in hands-on workshops focused on tractor rollover response, equipment extrication, manure pit rescue, grain bin rescue and large animal rescue.
Friday evening sessions will be held at Mid-State's Marshfield Campus, with in-person and virtual attendance options available. Saturday's training will take place at Heiman Holsteins and will include interactive workshops and field-based learning opportunities.
Registration is $125 per person, and attendance is limited to 100 participants to maximize the hands-on component of the workshops.
Support from the Mike Biadasz Farm Safety and Education Memorial Fund and the National Farm Medicine Center allows departments that register three or more participants to receive a free 4-gas monitor.
For more information or to register, visit mstc.edu/ag-rescue.
