There were 64 cases involving agricultural confined spaces nationwide in 2020, according to Purdue University’s Agricultural Safety and Health Program. Exactly half of the cases turned fatal, the program reported.

In its most recent report, the agricultural safety and health program showed that there were 35 grain entrapments, seven falls into or from grain storage structures, four asphyxiations and 12 equipment entanglements across the United States.

Only 50 percent of these cases resulted in a fatalities in 2020, but historically, the fatality rate is higher — 61 percent, per the recent report. That historical percentage is decreasing, but hasn’t wavered much, considering that in 2014, the university reported a fatality rate of 62 percent over the past 50 years.

Though much, much less likely than a car crash, these accidents pose a serious threat to farmers. So it’s important that local fire departments know how to respond and also have the equipment needed to perform a successful rescue.

It’s a matter of life or death.

We reported in Monday’s Eagle on several local fire departments that had joined together Saturday for all-day, hands-on training for grain bin rescues. The training was provided by Emergency Services Rescue Training after the North Washington Fire Department was given a grain tube by the Butler County Farm Bureau. The tube is an aluminum pipe that is placed around an individual who is stuck in a grain bin or silo. It provides the person access to oxygen and allows firefighters to make an efficient rescue by giving them both access and additional time.

The Saxonburg Volunteer Fire Company and Prospect Borough/Franklin Township Volunteer Fire Department also have the tubes for grain bin rescues.

We applaud our local fire departments for participating in this training and doing their best to be prepared in case of an emergency.

Though rare, such accidents do happen, and the training is valuable and potentially life saving.

— TL