OSMOND — Last summer, Tom Kruse of the Osmond Fire Department was contacted by Summit Contracting and asked if the department was interested in receiving a grain Res-Q-Tube.
The Res-Q-Tube panels are used in grain bin rescues. Once all four panels of a Res-Q Tube are in place, this will stop the flow of grain towards the victim and block any additional pressure that may be created from rescuers.
At this point, rescuers are able to start removing the grain around the victim, inside the tube. Having a Res-Q-Tube on-hand greatly increases the odds of a victim surviving a grain entrapment.
Fortunately, the local fire department has had the rescue panels for quite a few years. Also fortunately, the Osmond department has never had to use the rescue panels panels here, although they did use it for a mutual aid in Wausa, and they also use it in training.
A representative of Summit called Tom back later and told him that Summit had access to rescue augers, and they wanted to donate one to the Osmond Fire Department. The rescue augers are used in conjunction with the Res-Q-Tube. Once the tube is secured around the victim, the auger can be placed inside the tube to quickly remove grain from around the trapped person, reducing pressure and improving rescue time.
Justin Dean from Summit Contracting was in Osmond on Monday, Dec. 29, to deliver the grain auger. Summit also recently donated grain Res-Q-Tubes to the Carroll Volunteer Fire Department and Winside Fire and Rescue.
Summit Contracting made these donations as part of its commitment to supporting the communities it serves. Ensuring local volunteer fire departments have access to proper grain rescue equipment helps improve emergency response capabilities and preparedness across rural areas.
Grain entrapment is a serious and often life-threatening risk on farms and at grain handling facilities. National agricultural safety data shows the U.S. averages 30-40 grain entrapment incidents each year, with the majority occurring in Midwestern states where on-farm grain storage is most common. These incidents often happen when grain that appears stable suddenly begins to flow or collapses, trapping individuals and making escape extremely difficult.
John Southwick, Chief of Sales at Summit Contracting, emphasized the importance of the donation: “Grain entrapment can happen in an instant, and it's vital that our rural fire departments have the tools they need to respond quickly and effectively. We’re proud to help equip these area fire departments with this life-saving equipment, and we hope this donation will enhance their ability to protect and serve the community.”
While grain entrapments are preventable, having the proper equipment on hand can make the difference between life and death when an incident occurs. Summit Contracting remains committed to supporting rural communities and the farmers they serve by helping ensure local responders are equipped to handle grain-related emergencies safely and effectively.
Summit Contracting is a full-service, on-farm construction company, specializing in premium grain bins, grain systems, post-frame and metal buildings.
The company also offers full-site work services including excavation, concrete, water & sewer, and electrical services, managing projects from start to finish to meet the unique needs of the agricultural community.
Farmers Urged to Stay Safe The national Stand Up 4 Grain Safety Week, which will be March 30-April 3, is sponsored by the Alliance, a collaboration of agricultural industry groups which includes Central Valley Ag, the University of Nebraska Medical Center, and Central States Center for Agricultural Safety and Health, among others.
Although the safety week will be later this year, farm workers are encouraged to use safe practices every day.
