WMFD rushes to assist men trapped in Marked Tree grain bin

Lepanto, Marked Tree, West Memphis come together in mutual aid pact to save men

By DON WILBURN

donaldfwilburn@gmail.com

The men and women over at the West Memphis Fire Department have proven once again they are always willing to help our neighbors at a moment’s notice when at approximately 12:09 pm this past Thursday, the Department received a request for mutual aid from the Mark Tree Fire Department in Poinsett County. The call was regarding a technical rescue operation involving two individuals trapped inside a grain bin. In response, seven members (two off duty at the time) of the the Special Operation Response Team (SORT) along with two captains were immediately dispatched to the location.

Upon arrival, members of the SORT team discovered that one person had already been freed from the bin. However, another individual remained trapped up to their chest. Providing some much needed relief to the men of the Lepanto and Marked Tree Fire Departments who responded to the call around two hours earlier, the West Memphis Fire Department took over and continued rescue operations.

Thankfully, the trapped man was alert and under constant monitoring by paramedics throughout the extrication process according to West Memphis Fire Chief Robert Mabe. To facilitate the rescue operation, relief cuts were made in the grain bin to release grain and make way for the rescue tube. Once the tube was securely in place, augers were utilized to remove grain from around the trapped individual.

After sufficient grain had been removed, the patient was finally freed. This successful rescue operation highlights the effectiveness of the West Memphis Fire Department’s newly built training facility. Chief Mabe, along with Instructor Seard in the training division, has ensured that technical rescues and other critical skills are practiced frequently at the facility.

In a process known colloquially as “walking the grain,” breaking up wet or frozen grain might not seem dangerous at first glance. However, this seemingly

See WMFD, page A3

Grain-Bin Rescue tubes are a vital tool used by fire departments to save lives.

Photo by WMFD WMFD

From page A1

innocent task has led to numerous fatalities and accidents, prompting _re departments across America to respond to more than 35 grain bin emergencies every year.

Similar to the treacherous nature of quicksand, walking on top of grain can cause the ground to give way underneath, resulting in individuals sinking and becoming trapped. Struggling only worsens the situation as victims rapidly sink, making it dif_cult to breathe or call for help as the grain reaches chest level. In some cases, victims may even hyperventilate, further exacerbating their desperation. Severe weather conditions may also contribute to hypothermia setting in, adding to the hazardous environment.

To combat these life-threatening situations, Grain Engulfment Rescue Tubes have emerged as a crucial tool. Consisting of four curved aluminum walls, these tubes form a protective barrier around the victim when assembled. By securing the victim with a rope to prevent further slippage, rescue teams can safely remove the surrounding grain using a special auger. This process allows for the successful extraction of the individual trapped inside, saving lives in the process.

Rescue teams emphasize the importance of never working alone near grain bins. In the event of an accident, having someone nearby to provide assistance can be the difference between life and death. Awareness, caution, and proper safety protocols are key to preventing these tragic incidents from occurring.

With the implementation of Grain Engulfment Rescue Tubes and concerted efforts to raise awareness about the inherent dangers of working around grain bins, _re_ghters and safety experts hope to reduce the number of grain bin accidents across the nation. By prioritizing safety and adopting preventative measures, lives can be spared, and the risks associated with grain bin incidents can be mitigated.

As recently as July of 2022 agricultural company Cargill in West Memphis donated three of these such tubes to the _re departments in the the surrounding communities of Tyronza, Horeshoe Lake, and Earle. Luckily for the men trapped last week, both the West Memphis and Marked Tree already had their own.

The West Memphis Fire Department continues to prioritize the training and preparedness of its personnel, evident in their swift and pro_cient response to this challenging rescue mission. The department’s dedication to excellence in training has undoubtedly paid off, as reected in the successful outcome of this operation.

TOP LEFT: A fire engine from Lepanto hoists men high into the air so the rescue can proceed from above. BOTTOM LEFT: Firefighters from Lepanto, Marked Tree and West Memphis all worked together to free them trapped men. RIGHT: Holes are cut into the grain bins releasing pressure from underneath.

Photos by WMFD