Shannon Zitting of AirLife Denver’s flight crew stands next to farm safety day attendee Kayle Weatherly, who is secured to a stretcher, showing how patients are loaded onto the crew’s rescue helicopter. — The Holyoke Enterprise | Johnson Publications
Farm safety goals are no accident
Local youths got the chance to climb inside a rescue helicopter, don fire department bunker gear, watch hot dogs get grilled on live wires and more at the Holyoke and Wauneta 4-H clubs’ farm safety day last Thursday, March 21.
About 20 attended the event, which was promoted for 8- to 18-year-olds and held at Wauneta Fire Hall. AirLife Denver, Wauneta Volunteer Fire Department and Highline Electric Association were on hand to explain first aid basics and how they stay safe in high-risk jobs.
Organizer Damon Struckmeyer said the event was meant to demystify the work of firefighters and EMTs, as well as teach youth how to respond in the case of various emergencies.
“We’re hoping they pick up some safety tips and think twice before putting themselves in a risky situation,” he said.
The day started with presentations by Northwest Kansas Ambulance Service EMT Steve Evert and Highline.
Evert showed attendees how to take a pulse from the neck and wrist and discussed general farm safety topics, including how to stay safe around four-wheelers and power take-off vehicles.
Highline employees demonstrated the dangers of touching a power line by burning hot dogs and melons on a high-voltage wire. They explained how misusing portable generators could increase voltage on power lines and endanger linemen. They also let kids try on protective gear and talked about what to do if riding in a vehicle that strikes a power line.
Derek Roberts of Highline said the volatility of electrical systems means it’s especially important to call for help when there’s danger from live wires.
“Arc flashes can be three times hotter than the surface of the sun, and electricity travels at the speed of light, so you’re not going to be able to outrun it,” he said.
A three-member AirLife Denver crew landed its rescue helicopter next to the fire hall and invited attendees to tour the inside. A few volunteers were secured to a stretcher and got to experience the role of a patient firsthand as crew members answered questions and explained the process of a rescue.
Attendees also got to try on fire department bunker gear, explore a WVFD truck and check out the department’s extrication gear.
Snacks and lunch were served at the event. Organizers also collected canned goods for local food pantries.