Life saving device donated to BVFD

The Bushnell Volunteer Fire Department recently received a donated life-saving, grain bin rescue tube from Farm Credit Services, according to Chief Klent Schnell. FCS donated more than 400 of these devices, which sell for more than $3,000, throughout an 8-state region, Schnell said.

"Keith Wasielewski, a member of our department, was the driving force to get Bushnell Fire Department on the list for this great donation," Schnell said. "He was in contact with Farm Credits Crop Insurance agent, Carmen Egging-Draper, who coordinated with Outstates Data Services, the manufacturer and trainer of the tube, to deliver and train us on this system."

Training was provided on Monday, Sept. 12 in Bushnell for 27 emergency responders from Bushnell, Dix and Banner County Fire Departments as well as crew members from the Kimball Ambulance Service.

"The tube and accessories will be used if someone becomes trapped in grain inside of a grain bin or flat storage facility. This tube consists of 10 18-inch aluminum sections that can be utilized to rescue people that are entrapped in grain and feed pellets. This tube allows the flexibility to have enough room to allow paramedics inside the tube if an unconscious person must be rescued," Schnell said. "This initial training was the most important training to become familiar with the tube and how it will be used effectively. Bushnell Fire will train yearly with the equipment with different scenarios to be prepared if we need to put it into action."

Schnell added that the Bushnell Volunteer Fire Department will be able to respond to mutual aid calls with surrounding departments in any situation that requires the new equipment, which can be used for any storage facility, whether privately or commercially owned.