West NY News

Chautauqua County's Technical Rescue Team has bolstered its capabilities with new life-saving equipment, funded by a grant from Nationwide Insurance and in collaboration with the Chautauqua County Farm Bureau.

The $5,500 grant enabled the acquisition of specialized metal panels and a rescue auger. These tools form a protective wall around victims trapped in grain bins, allowing rescuers to safely remove the grain and free individuals. Grain entrapment poses significant life-threatening risks that can escalate rapidly without proper intervention.

“As you sink into the grain, it compresses around you like quicksand. Without the proper knowledge and tools, the situation becomes critical very quickly,” said Jim Joy, Director of the Chautauqua County Farm Bureau.

Joy highlighted that many accidents occur when individuals enter grain bins to clear blockages without realizing the dangers. He cited an incident where an individual became trapped after dropping a tool into the bin.

“They went in to retrieve a wrench and ended up stuck. A second person tried to help and got trapped too. These types of accidents can escalate quickly,” Joy explained. “The new equipment allows first responders to stabilize the victim and create a safe zone while carefully removing the grain around them. This is life-saving technology that will help prevent tragedies.”

The new gear was tested during a recent rescue training seminar at Mayville’s Emergency Operations Center. Steve Bourgeois, Special Operations Coordinator for Chautauqua County Emergency Services, participated in hands-on sessions using the specialized panels.

“Our team is now trained to respond swiftly and safely in these situations, creating a space where we can carefully remove the grain and free the person,” said Bourgeois. “This equipment is critical in ensuring that we don’t turn a rescue mission into a recovery.”

Bourgeois also stressed the importance of proper training to avoid additional casualties.

“It’s human nature to want to jump in and help, but without the right equipment and knowledge, you could end up trapped as well. We’re teaching our team how to take a step back, assess the situation, and respond safely,” he said.

As farming accidents continue across the region, this specialized equipment ensures that Chautauqua County's Technical Rescue Team is prepared for emergencies locally and in neighboring areas such as Cattaraugus County, Erie County, Pennsylvania, and beyond.

“This is not just for Chautauqua County. We can be dispatched to assist in Cattaraugus County, Erie County, Pennsylvania, and beyond,” said Joy.

The acquisition of this rescue equipment underscores collaborative efforts between local entities like Chautauqua County Farm Bureau, Chautauqua County Emergency Services, and Nationwide Insurance.

Joy expressed gratitude for these partnerships aimed at safeguarding local farmers as they approach harvest season.

“Farmers will soon be harvesting corn and other crops, and we want to make sure they have the support they need to stay safe,” said Joy. “This equipment is truly life-saving, and we are proud to be able to provide it to our community.”