Dougherty County EMS and Public Works Team Up for Farm Medic Provider Course

DOUGHERTY COUNTY, Ga. – On Saturday and Sunday, April 15 and 16, 2023, Dougherty County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and Dougherty County Public Works teamed up for a Farm Medic Provider Course. The primary purpose of the course was to help EMS lower “The Golden Hour” for trauma patients so that they can get them to Phoebe Emergency Care Trauma Center more quickly.

With agriculture being one of the most dangerous industries in America and every year, needless injuries and deaths occurring to farmers, family members, farm employees and rescue personnel, Emergency Responders often lack knowledge of the nature of farm machinery, chemicals, and farm structures. Some rescue techniques may increase the risk to the victim and rescue personnel. This training and education in the methods of farm/rural rescue are essential for proper response and safety of the rescuer and patient.

Nearly 40 participants between EMS and Public Works participating in the weekend training with all hands-on activities and participation for maximum exposure to the farm equipment and situational events around potential injuries.

“Due to the size and weight of the tractor or heavy machinery, Farming and Heavy Machinery accidents are very dangerous to work for First Responders,” said Sam Allen, Director of EMS for Dougherty County. “This class provided training for a Farm/Industrial Grain bin patient extrication procedure and demonstrated various techniques used to remove pinned in victims from underneath a farm tractor rollover. By working with Georgia EMS Association and Dougherty County Public Works Department staff, we gained valuable information in patient extrication procedures, which helps tremendously with our goal to have patients extricated and transported to Phoebe Emergency Trauma Center within ‘The Golden Hour.’”

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