Farm Family first aid training open for applications

Date published: 29 March 2018

Information from the Farm Safety Partnership has highlighted that as many as 100 accidents per month happen on Northern Ireland farms which require some form of medical attention.

Siobhán Sheppard CAFRE Scheme Manager, David Cairns Sales Manager NFU Mutual and Eric Long, Head of CAFRE Developmental Services.

CAFRE in conjunction with NFU Mutual are launching first aid training tailored for farming families and employees that will cover a wide range of first aid emergencies encountered on farms. Farm Family First Aid Awareness is a new training programme under the Farm Family Key Skills (FFKS) scheme currently managed by CAFRE and is a key element of the Rural Development Programme 2014 – 2020.

Be prepared for a medical emergency on farm

Siobhán Sheppard FFKS Scheme Manager said: “Coming upon an accident is a traumatic experience for anyone, but even more so at a farm accident as normally the first person on the scene is likely to be a family member, employee or neighbour. It is therefore important that in the case of an emergency on farm, all family members and employees know what to do.”

The three hour first aid course has been specifically tailored to the farming sector and covers a wide range of first aid emergencies encountered on farms. This course will allow participants to make decisions and deal with emergency situations confidently, promptly and safely. People attending a workshop with also receive a complimentary first aid box. Training will also focus on its contents and their use to treat minor injuries. Workshops will also provide an awareness of tools/technologies available to aid lone farm workers in emergency situations.

The training aims to address the fact that in most cases, the first person on scene of farm accident has limited or no knowledge of rescue procedures and medical training. Knowing what to do when an accident happens is even more critical given that many of our farms are in remote locations far from hospitals meaning that emergency services can take longer to arrive at the scene. It is thus vital that farmers, family members and employees have the knowledge and equipment to deal with any potential injuries.

Injuries can ruin lives and farm businesses. The greatest threat to any farm business is an accident that leaves a family member unable to work or worst. Attending a Farm Family First Aid Awareness course will provide critical skills that could save a life and help reduce the number of serious accidents on NI farms.

The training will be delivered in local venues across NI. Workshops are free and available to those linked to a farm business including farmers, members of the farm family and employees. Training commenced in March 2018 and continues until March 2019.

Twelve community groups have already hosted a training course in their area. CAFRE are also encouraging rural community groups from across NI to get involved in hosting a Farm Family First Aid Awareness training event in their local area.

David Cairns, Sales Manager NFU Mutual said: “We are delighted to be involved in the delivery of this new initiative and would encourage farm family members across Northern Ireland to avail of this opportunity that has the potential to save lives and reduce the impact of a farm accident.”

The following training courses have now been set up for individuals to enrol on. 

16 April 18 7.00pm Ballymoney Resource Centre, Ballymoney BT53 7LH
19 April 18 7.00pm Artigarvan Community Hall, Strabane BT82 0HN
23 April 18 7.00pm CAFRE Greenmount, Antrim BT41 4PS
26 April 18 7.00pm Diamond Centre, Claudy BT47 4EA
30 April 18 7.00pm Fermanagh House, , Enniskillen BT74 7HR
2 May 18 7.00pm Markethill District Enterprises Old Courthouse, Markethill, Co. Armagh BT60 1PH 

Please note there is a requirement to book a place on this course as there are a maximum number of 20 per course.

For further information, contact Global Horizon Skills the training provider on 028 8225 6772 or email info@ghskills.com.

 

Notes to editors: 

  1. The Northern Ireland Rural Development Council (RDC) has been appointed to deliver Health & Safety training as part of the Farm Family Key Skills scheme.
  2. Farm Family Key Skills aims to increase the levels of knowledge and skills in agricultural and commercial horticulture businesses.
  3. Managed by the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE), the programme is funded through the Rural Development Programme (RDP) 2014-2020 with support from the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD).
  4. CAFRE Contact: Siobhán Sheppard FFKS Scheme Manager. Email - siobhan.sheppard@daera-ni.gov.uk
  5. Follow DAERA on Twitter and Facebook.
  6. All media enquiries to DAERA Press Office or tel: 028 9052 4619.

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