Cuts, scratches or other injuries are not unusual on the farm, but there are times when an adhesive bandage isn’t enough.
In many rural communities, emergency rooms for treatment of injuries or other health-related situation can be more than an hour away, which is why knowing the basics of first aid can help save lives.
American Red Cross spokesperson Brigette Williams told Ozarks Farm & Neighbor that the organization recommends that at least one person in each household be trained in first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
Being able to render assistance as soon as possible is critical, as well as calling for help.
“The first thing we need to remember is that when you see someone in distress, call 911,” she said. “If you are trying to assist that person and there are others around, we say to look someone in the eye, point to them and say, ‘Call 911.’ That way they are clear on what to do.”
The American Red Cross also recommends that an emergency first aid kit be in every vehicle, home or other structure, and Williams said farms are no exception. In addition to standard items such as wound cleaning solutions, bandages and gauze, Williams recommended that the kits have non-perishable snack items, water, blankets and even a change of clothing.
“You never know what situation you might get into,” she said. “You also need to have that kit nearby, somewhere that is easily accessible.”
Farmers spend a lot of time away from home, and Williams recommended that a supply of needed medication be kept in vehicles or barns.
“If you are asthmatic, need epi pens, or whatever, don’t count on being able to get back to the house if you need it,” Williams said.
Fatigue can be a contributing factor for injury, especially around livestock and equipment.
“When you are tired, that’s when those (clumsy) things happen,” Williams said. “When you get tired, you lose your focus.”
People should also to be aware of their surroundings at all times, including weather conditions.
“It might not be raining where you are, but if you hear thunder, you are in danger of getting struck by lightening,” Williams said. “It is important to know what safety issues are there to try and prevent or minimize adding injury or harm.”
The American Red Cross has an app that gives basic instructions to render assistance for prevalent emergency situations, such as sprains, bruises, cuts, insect bits, hyperthermia and heat stroke.
“It gives you the symptoms and what you can do until help arrives,” Williams explained.
Williams added that the tips from the app are available as long as the phone has power.
“You would need service to call 911, but not to access the app,” she explained.
While many injuries are not life threatening, it is still important to know what to do.
“If someone has a sprain or something like that, it doesn’t require 911 to be called, but we need to know what to do and how to make that person comfortable until they can get to the doctor,” Williams added.
Perhaps the most important to remember in an emergency situation is that cool heads prevail.
“That’s the most important thing you can do,” she said. “I know it can be difficult if it is a child or a loved one, but you can scream and cry later on. Right now, that person needs you full and present, no matter what the situation is and you being calm can mean the world to someone who is in severe pain or shock.”
