Farm Family First Aid Awareness

Research by the Farm Safety Partnership suggests that as many as 100 accidents per month happen on Northern Ireland farms which require some form of medical attention. In spring 2018, CAFRE in conjunction with NFU Mutual launched Farm Family First Aid Awareness training. This training covers basic First Aid procedures for common injuries occurring on farms.

CAFRE is encouraging more rural groups, for example, farmer groups, Young Farmers’ Clubs and rural community groups to get involved in hosting the training in their local area. Workshops are free and available to farmers, family members and their employees. Attending a workshop will provide skills that could reduce the impact of a serious farm accident.

Be Prepared for a Medical Emergency on Farm

When a farm accident happens, the first person on the scene is usually a family member, employee or neighbour and it is very important that everyone involved knows what do in an emergency. Many farms are in remote locations, meaning that emergency services can take longer to arrive at the scene. This course provides trainees with the basic skills to preserve life until help arrives.

This 3 hour first aid course has been specifically tailored to the farming sector and attendees receive a complimentary First Aid kit. Training focuses on using its contents to treat minor injuries. Workshops also provide trainees with an awareness of the tools and technologies to aid lone farm workers in emergency situations.

Workshops Delivered Locally

Almost 500 people associated with farm businesses have already completed Farm Family First Aid Awareness training. Workshops are being held at local venues and feedback has been very positive. One trainee commented, “This is a really worthwhile course and I now have more confidence to deal with a medical emergency if an accident unfortunately occurred on my farm. The demonstrations of the defibrillator and using the contents of the First Aid kit were particularly useful.”

This training programme is under the Farm Family Key Skills (FFKS) scheme which is a key element of, and part funded through, the Rural Development Programme 2014 – 2020.

If you would like further information on how to enrol and/or host a Farm Family First Aid Awareness workshop please go to the CAFRE website or email kt.admin@daera-ni.gov.uk or call CAFRE Knowledge Transfer Administration on 028 9442 6790.

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