More than 35 volunteer firefighters and emergency workers attended a farm emergency rescue training session in Pike County at Henry Farm Center Feb. 26. The daylong workshop included classroom instruction and hands-on training.State Young Farmer Director Brandon Moore was the guest instructor. Moore, a state certified firefighter and emergency medical technician, spoke about the unique situations emergency personnel could face when responding to a farm accident.”Emergency personnel are highly trained to respond to most automobile and home accidents,” Moore said. “However, because of the type and size of the machinery found on a farm and the possible remote locations of farm accidents, such instances offer special challenges to emergency personnel.”Training sessions like the one conducted in Brundidge, help those responders conduct the rescue in a safe manner. Also, by being familiar with heavy farm equipment and often the limitations of their rescue equipment, responders increase the chance of a successful outcome following an accident,” Moore added.Steve Stroud, Pike County Young Farmers chairman, said there have been several instances in Pike County of injuries or fatalities resulting from overturned farm equipment or entanglements. “The Pike County Young Farmers recognized a need for this specialized training that could realistically result in lives being saved in our county,” Stroud said. “Such training also helps protect the safety of the responders who are valuable members of our communities.”Moore said several Young Farmer Committees around the state have planned similar events. For more information, contact Moore at 1-800-392-5705, ext. 3153 or by email at bmoore@alfafarmers.org. For more information about the Young Farmers’ programs, visit their website at www.AlfaYoungFarmers.org.