Emergency Training Program Offered
Author: Alice Miller, Press Relations Specialist
Emergency Training Program Offered
Alice Miller
Press Relations Specialist
Montana Farmers Union (MFU) is partnering with local Emergency Medical Services (EMS) to offer free emergency trainings addressing what to do while waiting for EMS to arrive in remote areas.
The first “Far Out and Waiting” hands-on workshop will be held 6:30-8 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 13, at the Miles Community College, Room 106. Another workshop is planned for 6:30-8 p.m., Friday, Feb. 23, at the Garfield County Library in Jordan.
The Feb. 13 workshop will be led by Custer County EMS Director Sarah Young and focus on cardiac arrest, falls, stroke/diabetic emergency, seizure, allergic reaction, and bleeding control. The Feb. 23 workshop will cover similar topics.
Additional trainings in Eastern Montana will take place in the coming months, with details coming soon.
“I hope that these trainings will empower and educate producers so that they can save a life,” said MFU Membership Ambassador Eleanor Dutton, who is coordinating several of the trainings in the next few months for Eastern Montana.
Dutton said the trainings will help producers bridge the time gap between injury and medical support that exists simply because of Montana’s vast geography.
“When I first moved to Rosebud County, I did not quite understand just how large the county is. Five thousand miles is larger than the three separate states of Rhode Island, Connecticut and Delaware. My husband is a deputy sheriff and would tell me about working with the Rosebud County EMS crew, their travel times, and how difficult it was to get out to the more remote places in the county,” Dutton said.
Many farmers and ranchers live and work in the remotest places and they are at high risk of injuries. According to the CDC, agriculture ranks among the most hazardous industries and is one of the few industries in which family members are also at risk for fatal and nonfatal injuries.
“For rural communities, there is a momentous need for experienced, able-bodied service providers. If producers are able to assist in an emergency by controlling the bleeding or keeping the patient breathing until help arrives, that is a huge win,” Dutton said.
Participants can expect to learn from EMS instructors about cardiac arrest, heart attack, falls, stroke/diabetic emergency, seizure, bleeding control, allergic reactions and concussions. Custer County EMS Director Sarah Young will facilitate the training on Feb. 13.
“I am thrilled the MFU can partner with EMS crews to help producers and rural communities,” Dutton said, adding the events are free and open to the community.
To learn more about the Feb. 13 event and other upcoming trainings, visit https://www.montanafarmersunion.com.
RSVP to Dutton at 406-201-5478 or edutton@montanafarmersunion.com.
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