Rural Health and Farm Safety

Carle Center for Rural Health and Farm Safety

The Center was involved in many activities during the year. These range from school-wide Safety Day events to specialized courses for Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and firefighters. Below, you can see an overview of the Center's work.

Overview of the Center's Work
Helpful Farm Safety Resources

For more information call (217) 902-5204 or e-mail farmsafety@carle.com.
 

Farm Property Direction Form

Please join Carle in creating safer farms today. Simply complete written directions to all properties of your farm operation, especially fields with no known address. Armed with this, first responders can find you quickly in an emergency.

Create one map for each of your properties. You can use a plat book, gazetteer or hand draw your map. Be sure to add a star for each field or property.
Print multiple copies.

Place them in binders and distribute them to prime locations where they might be needed (combine, grain bin site, repair truck, home base location, etc.)

 View Sample
 Download Fillable Form
 

Emergency Action Tubes and Toolkits

The Emergency Action Tube is a waterproof ABS pipe mounted on the main power pole of a farmstead. The tube contains information for emergency responders to help protect life and property in case of emergency. In partnership with community organizations, Carle RHFS provides these tubes at no cost to farm residents of east central Illinois.
 

 View Emergency Action Tube brochure »

Eligibility requirements
To be eligible for the program, the client must:

• Live on a rural property in east central Illinois with an active fire department participating in the Emergency Action Tube project
• Own or rent property
• Complete all vital information on the emergency response plan and property map
• Permit the Emergency Action Tube to be located on the main meter pole of the farm

Request an Emergency Action Tube toolkit
If you’re not located in east central Illinois, you can request a program toolkit to implement the program in your area.
 

Learn more
Request program toolkit

For more information call (217) 902-5204 or e-mail farmsafety@carle.com.

 

Farm Family Emergency Response Program

In many cases, family members and farm workers are the first on the scene of a farming incident. This course teaches families and workers how to provide life-saving care to an injured person in the crucial time between the incident and the arrival of emergency rescue teams. For more information call (217) 902-5204 or e-mail farmsafety@carle.com.
 

Agricultural Emergency Response Training

One in nine farm families experiences an agricultural-related injury each year. Approximately 60 percent of these require emergency medical treatment. In Illinois, this accounts for approximately 5,500 cases each year. Training area emergency medical providers helps minimize the potential risk of injury to the patient and rescuer.

Progressive Agriculture Safety Days®

Each year, more than 100 children are killed in farming incidents nationwide. These hands-on safety days teach children safe behavior, how to deal with emergencies and how to accept responsibility for their own safety on a farm or in their homes. School staff and community leaders help select topics that are most appropriate for their community.

Learn More
 

School Programs

Carle assemblies cover a variety of safety topics children are faced with each day. Through interactive sessions, children learn to minimize their risk through animal safety, chemical safety, grain safety and more. 

Programs are available for two age groups:

• Elementary and Junior High School Assemblies
• High School Ag Class Presentations

Request a School Program
 

Mental Health First Aid

Would you know what to do if you saw someone having a panic attack or were worried a friend or co-worker might be showing signs of alcoholism? Carle and our Rural Alliance partners are making Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) classes available to the communities we serve, to help take the stigma out of speaking up and guiding those in need to potentially life-saving help.MHFA, a national program taught by local instructors, is an interactive, eight-hour certification course.
 
Learn how to identify and understand signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders.
Gain skills to respond and provide initial help and support to someone who may be experiencing a crisis or developing a mental health problem.
 
Please note this is for the adult course only; we do not provide youth MHFA training at this time.
Register Here

 

Managing Stressful Situations

Stress
Stress is normal especially for farmers who deal with unpredictable weather and markets. However, unmanaged stress can cause serious issues including physical symptoms. Signs of stress to look out for include headaches, muscle tension, upset stomach, rapid heartbeat, fatigue, difficulty falling or staying asleep, lack of concentration or focus, irritability or anxiety among others.

It is important to identify the source of your stress and recognize the warning signs because everyone responds to stress differently. Find healthy ways to manage stress such as exercising, or talking with friends or family. Also make sure to take care of yourself by eating right, staying hydrated with water and getting enough sleep. Mental health is just as vital as physical safety in the farming profession. Talk. Ask. Listen. 

Depression
Some signs of depression include trouble concentrating, remembering details and making decisions, fatigue, feelings of guilt and hopelessness, insomnia, irritability and loss of interest in pleasurable activities.

CarleCenter for Rural Health and Farm Safety knows farmers are tough and self-reliant but talking about emotions or pressures can be challenging. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK / (800) 273-8255 or dial 911. Farmers extend a great deal of energy caring for their land, livestock, machinery and family. As good as agricultural producers are in caring for others, they are not always as careful in taking care of themselves. Mental health is just as vital as physical safety in the farming profession. Talk. Ask. Listen.

Calling upon the farming community – friends, neighbors or clergy makes a difference in managing stressful situations and crisis. Resources are available. Contacts the National Suicide Hotline at (800) 273-TALK or dial 911. Visit AgriSafe Network for additional information and mental health resources. 

Another resource is The Iowa Concern hotline. This line is open to ANYONE (not just Iowans) and offers help with financial, legal, stress, and crisis problems. They are well versed in agriculture and rural issues. Call (800) 447-1985 for assistance.