Rural firefighters, emergency medical personnel, and rescue squads need specialized training and preparation to respond to farm-related injuries, entrapments, fires, and chemical incidents. Farm Rescue: Responding to Incidents and Emergencies in Agricultural Settings, NRAES-10, describes the most common farm emergencies in which rescue, extrication, or other emergency response may be needed. The information will enable rescuers to approach a farm rescue with more confidence and a greater awareness of the risks involved. Responders to emergencies say having a better understanding of what to expect when responding to a farm emergency is important, not only for the welfare of the victims, but also for the safety of those providing assistance. This handbook identifies potential hazards to the victims and responders.

The publication discusses introductory topics such as organization of the rescue team, general rescue procedures, and contacting help. Another section provides detailed information about tractor overturns, power takeoff driveline (PTO) entanglements, hydraulically operated equipment failures, mixer-wagon and self-unloading wagon entanglements, auger and elevator entanglements, electrocution, and harvesting equipment injuries and emergencies.

Other sections cover grain entrapments, silo incidents (gas exposures, unloader entrapments, and fires), and emergencies involving manure storage sites and facilities. A chapter on farm chemical exposures, fires, and spills discusses exposure to anhydrous ammonia, agricultural chemical fires, and pesticide exposure and spills. The book concludes with a chapter covering farm animal incidents, which discusses animal-related injuries and rescue procedures.

The book includes three appendices: rescue tool inventory guidelines, agricultural operator control symbols, and follow-up training and suggested readings. Eighty-seven illustrations supplement the text.

The 1999 version of Farm Rescue: Responding to Incidents and Emergencies in Agricultural Settings is a complete revision of Farm Accident Rescue, which has sold more than 136,000 copies since 1980. The previous version has been used as a training manual for agricultural safety programs throughout the United States and Canada. The revised form should continue to be a valuable resource for years to come.

The book sells for $8.00 and is available from Nancy Aitcheson, Plan Service Secretary, Agricultural Engineering Department, Farrall Hall, MSU, East Lansing, 48824, 517-353-3297. A no-cost office copy is also available from Nancy.

Howard Doss