The RM of Tache Fire Department, Niverville Fire Department and Woodridge Fire Department participated in a BeGrainSafe grain rescue training program last weekend.

Allan Rau, Municipal Fire Chief for the RM of Tache says there were 20 students that participated in the 2-day training event hosted by the Canadian Grain Safety Association (CASA).   

Rau says there was both classroom work, practical training and evaluation that took place. With emphasis placed on firefighters learning how to safely extract a person trapped in grain. The training was done with the BeGrainSafe mobile unit, a cofferdam and auger. The training also included learning how to use the rescue tube and auger that firefighters will use in saving lives.

Rau explains how the practical training took place.

“The firefighters took turns inside the grain bin, then their colleagues will rescue you from it. The reason for going inside a grain bin is to get that sensation of what a casualty or what the person that you're going to rescue, feels like while they are in there. So that you are better able to address their apprehension, their angst, their anxiety, their fear and all that. So that’s where it’s helpful to go through these scenarios.”

"> BeGrainSafe program emphasizes prevention and raises awareness on the dangers of grain, alongside preparing fire departments for grain rescues.