Farm Rescue and EMS: A State by State Directory ii

Farm Rescue and EMS: 

A State by State Directory

 

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 

Health Resources and Services Administration 

Office of Rural Health Policy 
Farm Rescue and EMS: A State by State Directory iii

This document was prepared under HRSA contract # 250-03-0022, U.S. Department of Health 

and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration, Office of Rural Health 

Policy. 
Farm Rescue and EMS: A State by State Directory iv

Contents

Foreword................................................................................................................................v 

Background............................................................................................................................1 

Methodology..........................................................................................................................1 

Results....................................................................................................................................2 

Status of U.S. Farm Rescue Training Programs ........................................................2 

Guide to Using the Directory.................................................................................................2 

State by State Directory .........................................................................................................3-27 

Contact REMSTTAC.................................................................................................28 

Resources ...............................................................................................................................29-30 

Farmedic Program......................................................................................................29 

Organizations .........................................................................................................................31-32 

Citations .....................................................................................................................33 

Additional References................................................................................................33 

APPENDIX A: Acknowledgements......................................................................................35 

Contributors and Reviewers.......................................................................................35 

APPENDIX B: REMSTTAC Stakeholders...........................................................................37-39 

Farm Rescue and EMS: A State by State Directory vi

Foreword 

Perhaps nothing evokes a stronger 

connection with “rural” than a farm setting 

with freshly turned earth, abundant crops 

and grazing livestock. At one point in our 

Nation’s history many families had first 

hand experience working, living and 

thriving in such settings. 

The agrarian countryside has changed from 

small family farms and ranches to corporate 

interests, often involving thousands of acres 

in production. With these changes have 

come more powerful and rugged machines 

to assist in the chores of cultivating, 

planting, and harvesting. These machines 

pose enormous dangers to their operators. 

Large livestock production facilities also 

create hazards in terms of the animals 

themselves, along with feed storage and 

handling, and waste management operations. 

EMS and other rescue personnel are called 

to farms and ranches relatively infrequently. 

However, when they are called it often 

includes complex situations involving heavy 

equipment or other challenges unique to the 

agricultural environment. 

The first adage of EMS has been, and must 

continue to be, ensure that the scene is safe. 

Specialized farm rescue and response 

training is the only way to become familiar 

with the general principles of securing and 

caring for patients in this dangerous 

environment. We hope that this directory of 

contacts will encourage and assist those 

EMS agencies whose response areas include 

agricultural settings to attain and maintain 

the skills necessary to operate safely and 

efficiently in this environment. 

Not only does HRSA’s Office of Rural 

Health Policy and the Rural EMS and 

Trauma Technical Assistance Center 

recognize and appreciate the contribution of 

America’s farmers, ranchers, and producers 

but we also specifically recognize those of 

you who are the first to provide care to 

individuals who are injured or become ill in 

these environments. We welcome your 

comments and feedback on this inaugural 

edition of this resource directory. Your 

assistance will be essential to keeping it 

current and useful. 

Marcia K. Brand, Ph.D. Nels D. Sanddal, Director 

Associate Administrator for Rural Health, HRSA Rural EMS and Trauma Technical 

 Assistance Center 
Farm Rescue and EMS: A State by State Directory vii
Farm Rescue and EMS: A State by State Directory 1

BACKGROUND 

Agriculture is one of the most dangerous industries in America. Each year farmers, farm 

families, farm employees, and emergency responders die unnecessarily because of unknown 

dangers that increase the risk to the victim and the rescuer. Robertson, Murphy, and Davis 

(2006) report more than 7,000 farm work fatalities from 1992-2000. They further note the 

significant social and emotional impact that death and disability from farm related injuries have 

on survivors and the broader community. Hiott, Quandt, Early, Jackson, and Arcury (2006) note 

the lack of training for medical personnel in agricultural pesticide poisoning, a significant risk to 

farm workers’ health. 

The Rural and Frontier Emergency Medical Services Agenda for the Future (2004) recommends 

training in specialty situations, such as agricultural production sites, because emergency 

responders lack knowledge and understanding of the nature of the agricultural production work 

sites. Farm machinery, chemicals, animal behavior, and farm structures hamper safe and 

effective farm rescue. Farm rescue training allows rescuers and Emergency Medical Technicians 

(EMTs) to respond effectively to tractor rollovers, power take-off (PTO) entanglements,

pesticide exposures, and silo fires. First responders, EMTs, and other rescue workers have been 

injured or killed because they lack knowledge of farm equipment, its dangers, and how to 

respond. 

The overall risk to rescue workers and EMTs in agricultural environments has never been 

documented. Occasionally, tragic headlines will capture the double tragedy of the death of an 

agriculture worker following the death of the rescuer. In addition, the isolated nature of farm 

work, safety standards and enforcement, injury severity, remote location of worksite, 

participation of children, stress and fatigue, and exposure to the elements add to the complexity 

of the rescue. Training and education in the methods of farm and rural rescue and medical 

treatment are essential for proper response and safety. 

This farm rescue compendium is a first attempt to gather, in a single location, the contact 

information and resources for States and communities to prepare first responders, EMTs, and 

other rescue workers in agricultural settings. This approach should include training that accounts 

for the diversity of each State’s agricultural production. Additional listings, comments, 

suggestions, and updates are welcomed and may be sent to the Rural Emergency Medical 

Services and Trauma Technical Assistance Center at info@remsttac.org or at 866-587-6370. 

Additional information regarding HRSA’s rural EMS products, support and programs can also 

be accessed at REMSTTAC. The electronic version of the directory is available at 

http://www.remsttac.org. This is an ongoing project in cooperation with the National Farm 

Medicine Center (NFMC) at 800-662-6900. Updated versions will be uploaded periodically to 

included additional information on other high risk agricultural related areas such as all-terrain 

vehicle (ATV) use and logging safety. 

METHODOLOGY 

A literature and Internet search were conducted to identify farm rescue efforts in the States and 

territories. In addition, a listserv request was sent to all State and territorial Extension 

agricultural safety specialists to ascertain the level of State-based farm rescue training activity in 

the individual State. 
Farm Rescue and EMS: A State by State Directory 2

Additional contact was made through email and follow-up telephone contact with the training 

coordination from each State’s EMS office. Outreach by email and phone was conducted by 

REMSTTAC and NFMC staff to identify at least one State contact. 

RESULTS 

The map below illustrates the information for farm rescue training programs and response. Of 

the 50 states and 8 US territories contacted, 27 states reported having active farm rescue or 

response programs with contact information. Seventeen states provided a cooperative extension 

safety specialist for information but currently have no farm rescue or response programs. Seven 

states have no cooperative extension safety specialist contact or information on farm rescue and 

response programs. Of the U.S. territories contacted only American Samoa and Northern 

Mariana Islands responded and provided contacts and information about the farm rescue 

programs offered. 

All States have a State EMS Training Coordinator listed and complete contact information is 

provided. Official duties for these EMS training coordinators vary by State. In States without an 

ongoing program and/or without a Cooperative Extension Safety Specialist noted, the reader is 

encouraged to contact the State’s EMS training coordinator for additional information about farm 

rescue training programs. 

Status of U.S. Farm Rescue Training Programs 

 

 Active farm rescue training programs 

 No identifiable farm rescue training programs 

 Not available 

GUIDE TO USING THE DIRECTORY 

Currently, several States do not have an active farm rescue and response training program but a 

contact has been listed because of their interest or, because programs have been offered in the 

past and this person is the most knowledgeable about their efforts. Several States may list more 

than one contact; the primary farm rescue/response contact is listed first. The State EMS 

Training Coordinator is also listed for each State. 

Farmedic trainers are available in the contiguous 48 States and may travel to areas requesting 

training. Contact the Farmedic program at 800-437-6010 or visit the Web site at 

www.farmedic.com for more information on how to become a certified trainer or for additional 

listings of trainers in your area. (Farmedic is featured on page 31 of the compendium). 
Farm Rescue and EMS: A State by State Directory 3

This directory represents our initial effort to compile State farm rescue and response training 

activities. Activities were compiled on a statewide basis and may not reflect county and 

community efforts. Certainly there are numerous county and community led activities to train 

rescue personnel in farm rescue and response that are deserving of recognition. 
Farm Rescue and EMS: A State by State Directory 

Farm Rescue and EMS: A State by State Directory 4

ALABAMA 

Current Status: 

No farm rescue training programs 

available. 

Agricultural Safety Contact: 

Brandon Moore 

Young Farmers Director 

Alabama Farmers Federation

2108 East South Blvd. 

Montgomery, AL 36116 

Ph/Fax: 334-288-3900 

Postal Mail: 

P.O. Box 11000 

Montgomery, Alabama 36191 

Ph: 334-284-3957 

www.alfafarmers.org

bmoore@alfafarmers.org

Jesse LaPrade 

Farm Safety Specialist 

Alabama Cooperative Extension System 

Auburn University 

104 Duncan Hall 

Auburn University, AL 36849 

Ph: 334-844-5533 

jlaprade@aces.edu or 

laprajc@auburn.edu

State EMS Training Coordinator 

William Russell Crowley

Alabama Department of Public Health 

Division of Emergency Medical Services 

RSA Tower, Suite 750 

201 Monroe St. 

Montgomery, AL 36104 

Ph: 334-206-5294 

www.adph.org/ems

rcrowley@adph.state.al.us

ALASKA 

Current Status: 

No farm rescue training programs 

available. 

Agricultural Safety Contact: 

Phil Kaspari 

Agricultural Extension Agent 

University of Alaska Fairbanks 

Cooperative Extension Service 

P.O. Box 349, Jarvis Building 

Delta Junction, AK 99737 

P.O Box 756180 

Fairbanks, AK 99775-6180 

Ph: 907-895-4215 

Fax: 907-895-4210 

http://www.uaf.edu/

fnpnk@uaf.edu 

State EMS Training Coordinator 

Mike Branum 

EMS Training Coordinator 

Alaska Department of Health & Social 

Services 

Division of Public Health 

Community Health & EMS Unit 

P.O. Box 110616 

Juneau, AK 99811-0616 

Ph: 907-465-5467 

Fax: 907-747-1406 

www.chems.alaska.gov

Michael_Branum@health.state.ak.us 
Farm Rescue and EMS: A State by State Directory 

Farm Rescue and EMS: A State by State Directory 5

AMERICAN SAMOA 

Current Status: 

No farm rescue training programs 

available. 

Agricultural Safety Contact: 

Amio Mavaega-Luvu 

American Samoa Community College 

Community & Natural Resources 

Division 

PO Box 5319 

Pago Pago, AS 96799-2609 

Ph: 684-699-1575 

Fax: 684-699-5011/ 4595 

a.luvu@ascc.as 

State EMS Training Coordinator 

Joseph R. Faaita 

LBJ Medical Center, EMS Office 

P.O. Box 9030 

Pago Pago, AS 96799 

Ph: 001-684-633-5003 

Fax: 001-684-633-5112 

faaita2@lycos.com

ARIZONA 

Current Status: 

No farm rescue training programs 

available. 

Agricultural Safety Contact: 

No current agricultural safety contact. 

State EMS Training Coordinator 

Michelle Johnston 

Training & Base Hospital Manager 

Arizona Department of Health Services 

Bureau of Emergency Medical Services 

150 North 18th Ave., Suite 540 

Phoenix, AZ 85007-3150 

Ph: 602-364-3152 

Fax: 602-364-3568 

www.hs.state.az.us/bems/index.htm 

johnstonm@azdhs.gov 

ARKANSAS 

Current Status: 

The University of Arkansas and the 

Arkansas Farm Bureau Safety Directors 

offer a 2-day training session consisting 

of simulated rescue experiences for each 

participant using air bag lifting devices, 

tractor entanglement, thermal imaging 

tools, and global positioning system 

(GPS) location. 

Agricultural Safety Contact: 

Gary Huitink 

Extension Engineer 

University of Arkansas 

Cooperative Extension Service 

Division of Agricultural 

PO Box 391 

Little Rock, AR 72203 

Ph: 501-671-2242 

Fax: 501-671-2303 

ghuitink@uaex.edu

www.aragriculture.org/ 

State EMS Training Coordinator 

David Taylor 

Director 

Office of EMS & Trauma Systems 

4815 West Markham Street, Slot 38 

Little Rock, AR 72205-3867 

Ph: 501-661-2362 

Fax: 501-280-4901 

www.healthyarkansas.com/ems

dtaylor@healthyarkansas.com 
Farm Rescue and EMS: A State by State Directory 

Farm Rescue and EMS: A State by State Directory 6

CALIFORNIA 

Current Status: 

No farm rescue training programs 

available. 

Agricultural Safety Contact: 

James M. Meyers, MD 

University of California 

School of Public Health 

Berkeley, CA 94720 

Ph: 510-643-5310 

Fax: 510-642-5815 

www.farmsafety.ucdavis.edu

jmmeyers@uclink4.berkeley.edu

State EMS Training Coordinator 

Nancy Steiner 

EMS Personal Standards & Licensing 

California EMS Authority 

1930 9th Street 

Sacramento, CA 95814 

Ph: 916-322-4336 ext 429 

Fax: 916-324-2875 

www.emsa.ca.gov

nsteiner@emsa.ca.gov 

COLORADO 

Current Status: 

No farm rescue training program 

available. 

Agricultural Safety Contact: 

No current agricultural safety contact. 

State EMS Training Coordinator

David Miller

Colorado Department of Public Health 

& Environment 

HFEMSFD-PCP-A2 

4300 Cherry Creek Drive South 

Denver, CO 80246-1530 

Ph: 303-692-2995 

Fax: 303-691-7720 

www.cdphe.state.co.us/em/ 

dave.miller@state.co.us 

 

CONNECTICUT 

Current Status: 

No farm rescue training programs 

available. 

Agricultural Safety Contact: 

Nancy Bull 

Associate Director of Outreach and 

Public Service 

University of Connecticut 

Cooperative Extension System 

1376 Storrs Road, Unit 134 

Storrs, CT 06269-4134 

Ph: 860-486-0095 

Fax: 860-486-0264 

www.extension.uconn.edu/ 

Nancy.Bull@uconn.edu

State EMS Training Coordinator 

Kevin Brown 

Education & Training Coordinator 

Connecticut Dept. of Public Health 

Office of Emergency Medical Services 

410 Capitol Avenue, MS #12EMS 

P.O. Box 340308 

Hartford, CT 06134-0308 

Ph: 860-509-7551 

Fax: 860-509-7987 

www.dph.state.ct.us

kevin.brown@po.state.ct.us 
Farm Rescue and EMS: A State by State Directory 

Farm Rescue and EMS: A State by State Directory 7

DELAWARE 

Current Status: 

The University of Delaware Extension 

offers courses in county and local farm 

rescue training. 

Agricultural Safety Contact: 

Ronald C. Jester 

Extension Safety Specialist 

University of Delaware 

16684 County Seat Highway 

Georgetown, DE 19947 

Ph: 302-856-7303 

Fax: 302-856-1845 

ag.udel.edu/extension/ 

milowe@state.de.us

State EMS Training Coordinator 

Steve Blessing 

Acting State EMS Director 

Delaware Office of EMS 

Blue Hen Corporate Center 

655 Bay Road, Suite 4H 

Dover, DE 19901 

Ph: 302-739-4710 

Fax: 302-739-2352 

www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/ems/e

ms.html

steven.blessing@state.de.us

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA 

Current Status: 

Due to the metropolitan nature of DC, no 

farm rescue training programs exist. 

Agricultural Safety Contact: 

No current agricultural safety contact. 

State EMS Training Coordinator 

Robert E. Powell 

State EMS Training Coordinator 

Emergency Health & Medical Services 

Administration 

64 New York Avenue NE 

Washington, DC 20001 

Ph: 202-671-0746 

Fax: 202-671-0707 

www.bioterrorism.dc.gov

rpowell@dchealth.com
Farm Rescue and EMS: A State by State Directory 

Farm Rescue and EMS: A State by State Directory 8

FLORIDA 

Current Status: 

Florida offers a Farmedic program 

through the State Fire College. 

Farmedic: Technical Rescue for 

Agricultural Emergencies (FSFC 110). 

The Farmedic course teaches the 

appropriate responses in chemical, 

mechanical, and structural accidents as 

well as the logistical, rescue, and EMS 

problems that can occur in the 

agribusiness and related environments. 

http://www.fldfs.com/sfm/testsite/bfst/fs

fc/course/rescue.htm

NOTE: The Farmedic program is also 

approved for 12 continuing education 

hours for Emergency Medical 

Technician and Paramedic certificates. 

Agricultural Safety Contact: 

Dyanne McCall 

Florida State Fire College 

11655 NW Gainesville Road 

Ocala, FL 34482-1486 

Ph: 352-369-2831 

www.fldfs.com/sfm/bfst/index.shtml

Dyanne.McCall@fldfs.com 

State EMS Training Coordinator 

John Gosford 

Florida Department of Health 

Bureau of EMS 

4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin C-18 

Tallahassee, FL 32399-1738 

Ph: 850-245-4440 ext. 2725 

Fax: 850-245-4385 

www.doh.state.fl.us/demo/EMS/index.ht

ml

john_gosford@doh.state.fl.us 

GEORGIA 

Current Status: 

The University of Georgia Biological 

and Agricultural Engineering 

Department sponsors two trainings per 

year in conjunction with Farmedic in 

Tifton, GA. 

Agricultural Safety Contact: 

Glen Rains 

Assistant Professor/Farm Safety 

Specialist

University of Georgia 

Biological and Agricultural Engineering 

Department 

2329 Rainwater Road 

POB 748 

UGA Tifton Campus 

Tifton, GA 31793-0748 

Ph: 229-391-3735 or 229-386-3377 

Fax: 229-386-3958

www.engr.uga.edu/index.php?option_ID

grains@tifton.uga.edu

State EMS Training Coordinator 

Sam Cunningham 

Region 7 EMS 

2100 Comer Avenue 

Columbus, GA 31904 

Ph: 706-321-6150 

http://health.state.ga.us/programs/ems/ 

srcunningham@gdph.state.ga.us
Farm Rescue and EMS: A State by State Directory 

Farm Rescue and EMS: A State by State Directory 9

HAWAII 

Current Status: 

No farm rescue training programs 

available. 

Agricultural Safety Contact: 

Sabina Swift 

University of Hawaii at Manoa 

Department of Plant & Environmental 

Protection Sciences 

College of Tropical Agriculture 

3050 Maile Way, Room 310 

Honolulu, HI 96822 

Ph: 808-956-9208 

www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/peps

sabina@hawaii.edu

State EMS Training Coordinator 

Edward J. Kalinowski 

EMS Coordinator 

Kapiolani Community College 

Department of EMS 

4303 Diamond Head Road, Kauila 121 

Honolulu, HI 96816-4496 

Ph: 808-734-9330 

Fax: 808-734-9126

http://library.kcc.hawaii.edu/external/kcc

emsce/

kalinows@hawaii.edu

IDAHO 

Current Status: 

Farmedic trainers hold local training 

programs upon request. 

Agricultural Safety Contact: 

Tom Karsky 

University of Idaho 

Biological and Agricultural Engineering 

Department 

PO Box 440904 

Moscow, ID 83844-0904 

Ph: 208-885-7627 

Fax: 208-885-7908 

http://www.uidaho.edu/bae/agsafety

tkarsky@uidaho.edu

State EMS Training Coordinator 

Tawni J. Newton 

EMS Credentialing Manager 

Idaho EMS Bureau 

590 West Washington Street 

Boise, ID 83702 

Ph: 208-334-4000 or 208-334-4007 

Fax: 208-334-4015 

www.idahoems.org

newtont@idhw.state.id.us
Farm Rescue and EMS: A State by State Directory 

Farm Rescue and EMS: A State by State Directory 10

ILLINOIS 

Current Status: 

Farm rescue training activities include: 

basic farm rescue orientation, a 

Farmedic training program, and a 2-day 

training program on grain bin rescue 

offered by the University Fire Training 

Institute and regional hospitals. 

Agricultural Safety Contact: 

Dan Hite 

Agricultural Rescue Training Officer 

Illinois Fire Service Institute 

11 Gerty Drive 

Champaign, IL 61820 

Ph: 217-333-3800 

Fax: 1-800-437-5819 

http://www.fsi.uiuc.edu 

hite@fsi.uiuc.edu 

Bob Aherin 

Professor, Agricultural Safety & Health 

Program Leader 

University of Illinois 

1304 W. Pennsylvania Ave. 

Urbana, IL 61801 

Ph: 217-333-9417 

Fax: 217-244-0323 

http://www.ace.uiuc.edu 

raherin@uiuc.edu 

State EMS Training Coordinator 

Mary Reis 

Illinois Department of Public Health 

Division of EMS & Highway Safety 

525 West Jefferson Street 

Springfield, IL 62761 

Ph: 217-785-2080 

Fax: 217-524-0966 

www.idph.state.il.us

mreis@doph.state.il.us

INDIANA 

Current Status: 

Farm rescue training and train the trainer 

programs focus on rural 

methamphetamine labs, grain bins, and 

manure pits. 

 

Agricultural Safety Contact: 

William E. Field 

Purdue University 

Breaking New Ground Resource Center 

Ag & Biological Engineering Dept. 

225 S. University Street 

West Lafayette, IN 47907-2093 

Ph: 765-494-1191 

Fax: 765-496-1345 

www.agriculture.purdue.edu

field@purdue.edu

State EMS Training Coordinator

Sam Steinhilber 

Public Safety Training Institute 

402 West Washington Street 

IGC-S Room E208 

Indianapolis, IN 46204 

Ph: 800-666-7784 

Fax: 317-233-8394 

www.in.gov/sema

ssteinhilber@sema.in.gov 
Farm Rescue and EMS: A State by State Directory 

Farm Rescue and EMS: A State by State Directory 11

IOWA 

Current Status: 

Farm rescue training is provided by 

several State and local groups.

Agricultural Safety Contact: 

Dan Neenan 

National Education Center for 

Agricultural Safety 

10250 Sundown Road 

Peosta, IA 52068 

Ph: 563-557-0353, ext 248 or 

888-844-6322 

Fax: 563-557-0353 

www.nsc.org/necas

neenand@nicc.edu

Lamar Grafft 

Safety Specialist 

University of Iowa 

100 Oakdale #205 IREH 

Iowa City, IA 52242-5000 

Ph: 319-335-4233 

lamar-grafft@uiowa.edu 

John McPhee 

Fire Service Training 

Iowa Department of Public Safety 

www.state.ia.us/government/dps

mcphee@dps.state.ia.us

State EMS Training Coordinator 

Joe Ferrell 

Education Coordinator 

Bureau of EMS 

321 East 12th Street 

Des Moines, IA 50319 

Ph: 515-725-0323 

Fax: 515-725-0318 

www.idph.state.ia.us/ems

jferrell@idph.state.ia.us

KANSAS 

Current Status: 

No farm rescue training programs 

available. 

Agricultural Safety Contact: 

Kerri Ebert 

Extension Assistant 

Kansas State University 

Department of Biological & Agricultural 

Engineering 

147 Seaton Hall 

Manhattan, KS 66506 

Ph: 785-532-2976 

Fax: 785-532-5825 

www.bae.ksu.edu

kebert@k-state.edu

State EMS Training Coordinator 

Steven M. Sutton 

Kansas Board of EMS 

Landon Building, Room 1031 

900 SW Jackson 

Topeka, KS 66612

Ph: 785-296-6211 

Fax: 785-296-6212 

www.ksbems.org

emsss@ink.org
Farm Rescue and EMS: A State by State Directory 

Farm Rescue and EMS: A State by State Directory 12

KENTUCKY 

Current Status: 

The Kentucky Fire Service Training 

Unit offers farm rescue training 

programs throughout the State. 

Agricultural Safety Contact: 

Larry R. Piercy 

Agricultural Extension Specialist 

University of Kentucky 

Department of Agricultural Engineering 

107 Charles E. Barnhart Bldg 0276 

Lexington, KY 40546-0276 

Ph: 859-257-3000 ext. 107 

Fax: 859-257-5671 

www.uky.edu

lpiercy@bae.uky.edu

Dale Dobson 

Kentucky Department of Agriculture 

Ag Education, Farm Safety & Farmland 

Preservation 

Capital Plaza Tower 

500 Mero Street, 7th floor 

Frankfort, KY 40601 

Ph: (502) 564-4696, ext. 231 

Fax: (502) 564-2133 

www.kyagr.com

dale.dobson@ky.gov 

State EMS Training Coordinator 

Brian K. Bishop 

Kentucky Board of Emergency Medical 

Services 

2545 Lawrenceburg Road 

Frankfort, KY 40601 

Ph: 502-564-8963, ext. 227 

Fax: 502-564-4687 

www.kbems.org

brian.bishop@mail.state.ky.us 

LOUISIANA 

Current Status: 

The Southeast Louisiana AHEC offers 

two Farmedic trainings in January and 

October or upon request. 

Agricultural Safety Contact: 

Elizabeth Tamor 

Program Manager 

Southeast Louisiana Area Health 

Education Center 

1302 JW Davis Drive 

Hammond, LA 70403 

Ph: 985-345-1119 

Fax: 985-345-1157 

www.selahec.org

ahecetw@I-55.com

State EMS Training Coordinator 

Nancy Bourgeois 

Program Manager 

Louisiana Bureau of Emergency Medical 

Services 

8919 World Ministry Ave, Suite A 

Baton Rouge, LA 70801 

PO Box 94215 

Baton Rouge, LA 70804 

Ph: 225-763-5700 

Fax: 225-763-5702

www.dhh.louisiana.gov/offices/?ID=79 

emsweb@dhh.la.gov 
Farm Rescue and EMS: A State by State Directory 

Farm Rescue and EMS: A State by State Directory 13

MAINE 

Current Status: 

No farm rescue training programs 

available. 

Agricultural Safety Contact: 

John Rebar 

Financial Administrator 

University of Maine 

Cooperative Extension 

106 Libby Hall 

Orono, ME 04469-5741 

Ph: 207-581-3238 or 

800-287-8957 

Fax: 207-581-1387 

www.umext.maine.edu

jrebar@umext.maine.edu

State EMS Training Coordinator 

Dwight Corning 

Maine Emergency Medical Services 

152 SHS 

Augusta, ME 04333 

Ph: 207-626-3860 

Fax: 207-287-6251 

www.maine.gov/dps/ems

dwight.w.corning@maine.gov 

MARYLAND 

Current Status: 

Occasionally, a program may be offered.

Agricultural Safety Contact: 

David S. Ross 

Professor 

Extension Agricultural Engineer 

University of Maryland 

Rm. 1431, Bldg. #142 

College Park, MD 20742 

Ph: 301-405-1188 

www.umd.edu

dr27@umail.umd.edu 

State EMS Training Coordinator 

Andy Trohanis 

MIEMSS - Education, Licensure & 

Certification 

653 West Pratt Street 

Baltimore, MD 21201 

Ph: 800-762-7157 or 410-706-3666 

Fax: 410-706-2367 

www.miemss.org

atrohani@miemss.org
Farm Rescue and EMS: A State by State Directory 

Farm Rescue and EMS: A State by State Directory 14

MASSACHUSETTS 

Current Status: 

No farm rescue training program 

available. 

Agricultural Safety Contact: 

Natalia P. Clifton 

University of Massachusetts 

Department of Plant, Soil, and Insect 

Sciences 

102 Fernald Hall 

Amherst, MA 01003 

Ph: 413-545-2004 

Fax: 413-545-2115 

www.umass.edu/psis/ 

nclifton@ent.umass.edu

State EMS Training Coordinator

Russell Johansen 

Office of Emergency Medical Services 

2 Boylston Street, 2nd Floor 

Boston, MA 02116 

Ph: 617-753-7300 

Fax: 617-753-7320 

www.mass.gov/dph/oems

russell.johansen@state.ma.us

MICHIGAN 

Current Status: 

No farm rescue training programs 

available. 

Agricultural Safety Contact: 

Mark Hansen 

Extension Coordinator 

Emergency Management Programs 

Michigan State University 

11 Agriculture Hall 

East Lansing, MI 48824-1039 

Ph: 517-432-7696 

Fax: 517-432-1048

http://web1.msue.msu.edu/emergency/fl

ooding.html

hansenm@msue.msu.edu

State EMS Training Coordinator 

Robin Shivley 

Michigan Department of Community 

Health 

EMS Section 

320 South Walnut 

Lansing, MI 48913 

Ph: 517-241-3024 

Fax: 517-241-9458 

rmshivl@michigan.gov
Farm Rescue and EMS: A State by State Directory 

Farm Rescue and EMS: A State by State Directory 15

MINNESOTA 

Current Status: 

Two to four farm emergency training 

programs are conducted annually for 

first responders and EMS providers in 

conjunction with the "Caring for Farm 

Families" workshops for health 

professionals. 

Agricultural Safety Contact: 

John M. Shutske 

Professor and Extension Agricultural 

Safety and Health Specialist 

University of Minnesota 

Biosystems and Agricultural 

Engineering Department 

224C Bio Ag Eng 

Room 202 Bio Ag Eng 6005 

1390 Eckles Ave 

St Paul, MN 55108 

Ph: 612-626-1250 

Fax: 612-624-3005 

www1.umn.edu/twincities/index.php

shutske@umn.edu 

State EMS Training Coordinator 

Debby Teske 

Minnesota EMS Regulatory Board 

2829 University Avenue SE, Suite 310 

Minneapolis, MN 55414-3222 

Ph: 612-627-5402 

Fax: 612-627-5442 

www.emsrb.state.mn.us

debra.teske@state.mn.us

MISSISSIPPI 

Current Status: 

No farm rescue training programs 

available. 

Agricultural Safety Contact: 

Herb Willcutt 

Agricultural Engineer 

Mississippi State University Extension 

Service 

Box 9632 

Mississippi State, MS 39762 

Ph: 662-325-7345 

Fax: 662-325-3853 

www.msucares.com

herbw@ext.msstate.edu 

State EMS Training Coordinator 

Scott Stinson 

EMS Education Coordinator 

Mississippi State Department of Health 

Office of Emergency Planning and 

Response 

570 E. Woodrow Wilson Ave. 

P.O. Box 1700 

Jackson, MS 39215-1700 

Ph: 601-576-7380 

Fax: 601-576-7383 

www.ems.doh.ms.gov/ems/index.html

scott.stinson@msdh.state.ms.us 
Farm Rescue and EMS: A State by State Directory 

Farm Rescue and EMS: A State by State Directory 16

MISSOURI 

Current Status: 

Farm rescue programs are available 

through the University of Missouri 

Extension. 

Agricultural Safety Contact: 

Karen Funkenbusch 

Director Missouri AgrAbility Program 

Rural Safety & Health Specialist 

University of Missouri Extension 

212 Agricultural Engineering Building 

Columbia, MO 65211 

Ph: 1-800-995-8503 or 573-882-2731 

www.fse.missouri.edu

funkenbuschk@missouri.edu 

Gary L. Wilson 

Director 

University of Missouri Extension 

MU Fire and Rescue Training Institute 

240 Heinkel Building 

Columbia, MO 65211 

Ph: 800-869-3476 or 573-882-4735 

Fax: 573-882-0678 

www.mufrti.org 

WilsonGL@missouri.edu

State EMS Training Coordinator

Gregory C. Natsch 

State EMS Training/Education 

Coordinator 

Missouri Department of Health and 

Senior Services 

Unit of EMS 

P.O. Box 570 

Jefferson City, MO 65102-0570 

Ph: 573-751-6356 

Fax: 573-751-6348 

www.dhss.mo.gov/EMS

info@dhss.mo.gov

MONTANA 

Current Status: 

Ten Farmedic trainers in Montana 

conduct three to four trainings annually 

for emergency providers on farm rescue 

upon request. 

Agricultural Safety Contact: 

Mike Cavey 

4-H Youth Development Specialist 

Montana State University Extension 

Service 

4-H State Office - Taylor Hall 

211 Taylor 

PO Box 173580 

Bozeman, MT 59717-3580 

Ph: 406-994-5693 

Fax: 406-994-5417 

Cell: 406-580-3501 

http://extn.msu.montana.edu

acxmc@montana.edu

State EMS Training Coordinator 

Kenneth L. Threet 

EMS Training Coordinator 

Montana Board of Medical Examiners 

301 South Park Avenue 

P.O. Box 200513 

Helena, MT 59620-0513 

Ph: 406-841-2359 

Fax: 406-841-2363 

http://discoveringmontana.com/dli/med

kthreet@state.mt.us 
Farm Rescue and EMS: A State by State Directory 

Farm Rescue and EMS: A State by State Directory 17

NEBRASKA 

Current Status: 

Nebraska offers continuing education in 

managing farm injuries, flowing grain 

suffocation, farm equipment extrication, 

and agriculture chemical poisoning for 

career and volunteer fire service 

personnel, emergency medical services 

and emergency department staff. 

Agricultural Safety Contact: 

William P. Campbell 

Agriculture Systems Specialist 

Biological Systems Engineering 

204 L.W. Chase Hall 

Lincoln, NE 68583-0726 

Ph: 402-472-6714 

Fax: 402-472-6338 

http://bse.unl.edu/About/Faculty/campbe

ll.htm

wcampbell3@unl.edu 

Dave Morgan 

Nebraska Tractor Test Laboratory 

35 & East Campus Loop 

P.O. Box 830832 

Lincoln, NE 68583-0832 

Ph: 402-472-2442 or 402-472-3951 

http://bse.unl.edu/About/ExtEds.htm#da

ve

dmorgan1@unl.edu

State EMS Training Coordinator 

Garry Steele 

EMS Education & Training Coordinator 

Nebraska Health & Human Services 

P.O. Box 334 

Edgar, NE 68935 

Ph: 402-224-3298 or 877-669-0763 

Cell Phone: 402-469-3548 

Fax: 402-224-3299 

www.hhs.state.ne.us/ems/emsstaff.htm

Garry.steele@hhss.ne.gov 

NEVADA 

Current Status: 

No farm rescue training program 

available. 

Agricultural Safety Contact: 

No current agricultural safety contact. 

State EMS Coordinator 

Robert Heath 

Nevada State Health Division 

Emergency Medical Services 

850 Elm Street 

Elko, NV 89801 

Ph: 775-723-1154 

Fax: 775-684-5313 

http://health2k.state.nv.us/ems/index.htm

bheath@ems.state.nv.us

NEW HAMPSHIRE 

Current Status: 

No farm rescue training program 

available. 

Agricultural Safety Contact: 

No current agricultural safety contact. 

State EMS Training Coordinator 

Liza K. Burrill 

New Hampshire Department of Safety 

Bureau of EMS 

Northern NH EMS Field Office 

55 Maynesboro Street 

Berlin, NH 03570 

Ph: 603-752-7531

Fax: 603-752-5103 

http://www.state.nh.us/safety/ems/ 

lburrill@safety.state.nh.us 
Farm Rescue and EMS: A State by State Directory 

Farm Rescue and EMS: A State by State Directory 18

NEW JERSEY 

Current Status: 

An annual twilight meeting features 

segments on farm safety rescue with 

local EMTs. No additional farm rescue 

training programs were identified. 

Agricultural Safety Contact: 

Zane Helsel 

Department of Extension Specialists 

Rutgers, The State University of New 

Jersey 

88 Lipman Drive 

New Brunswick, NJ 08901-8525 

Ph: 732-932-5000 x587 

Fax: 732-932-6633 

http://www.rcre.rutgers.edu/es

helsel@rcre.rutgers.edu

State EMS Training Coordinator 

Rob Clawson 

New Jersey Department of Health & 

Senior Services 

Office of Emergency Medical Services 

P.O. Box 360 

Trenton, NJ 08625-0360 

Ph: 609-633-7777 

Fax: 609-633-7954 

www.state.nj.us/health/ems

robert.clawson@doh.state.nj.us

NEW MEXICO 

Current Status: 

No farm rescue training program 

available. 

Agricultural Safety Contact: 

No current agricultural safety contact. 

State EMS Training Coordinator 

Jim Derrick 

EMS Bureau 

2500 Cerrillos Road 

Santa Fe, NM 87505 

Phone: 505-476-7824 

Fax: 505-476-7810 

www.health.state.nm.us

jim.derrick@doh.state.nm.us
Farm Rescue and EMS: A State by State Directory 

Farm Rescue and EMS: A State by State Directory 19

NEW YORK 

Current Status: 

The Farm Rescue & Firefighting section 

at Cornell University has been active 

with both provider rescue training and 

the training of new instructors in the 

state. New training materials and new 

visual training materials for use in both 

New York and nationally are being 

created. Cornell distributes these 

materials and helps to coordinate the 

national training activities. 

Agricultural Safety Contact: 

Tonya Van Slyke 

Extension Support Specialist 

Farm Rescue & Firefighting at Cornell 

University 

777 Warren Rd. 

Ithaca, NY 14850 

Ph: 800-437-6010 

Fax: 607-257-5041 

http://www.farmedic.com/

farmedic@cornell.edu 

State EMS Training Coordinator 

Karen Meggenhofen 

New York State Department of Health 

Bureau of EMS 

433 River Street, Suite 303 

Troy, NY 12180-2299 

Ph: 518-402-0996 

Fax: 518-402-0985 

www.health.state.ny.us/nysdoh/ems/mai

n.htm

krm02@health.state.ny.us

NORTH CAROLINA 

Current Status: 

No farm rescue training programs 

available. 

Agricultural Safety Contact: 

Edwin J. Jones 

North Carolina State University A&T 

State University Cooperative Extension 

214 Ricks Hall 

Box 7602 

Raleigh, NC 27695-7602 

Ph: 919-515-3252 

Fax: 919-515-5950 

http://www.bae.ncsu.edu/programs/exten

sion/farm_safety/

Edwin_jones@ncsu.edu

State EMS Training Coordinator 

Dale Hill 

Education & Credentialing Specialist 

North Carolina Office of EMS 

2707 Mail Service Center 

Raleigh, NC 27699-2707 

Ph: 919-855-3953 

Fax: 919-733-7021 

www.ncems.org

dale.hill@ncmail.net
Farm Rescue and EMS: A State by State Directory 

Farm Rescue and EMS: A State by State Directory 20

NORTH DAKOTA 

Current Status: 

The Casselton North Dakota Fire and 

Rescue Squads conduct several farm 

rescue trainings for other rescue units in 

the State. 

Agricultural Safety Contact: 

George Maher 

Agriculture Safety Specialist 

North Dakota State University Extension 

Service 

Agricultural and BioSystems 

Engineering Dept 

1221 Albrecht Blvd 

P.O. Box 5626 

Fargo, ND 58105-5626 

Ph: 701-231-8288 or 701-231-7261 

Fax: 701-231-1008 

www.ageng.ndsu.nodak.edu

gmaher@ndsuext.nodak.edu

State EMS Training Coordinator 

Ed Gregoire 

State EMS Training Coordinator 

Division of Emergency Medical Services 

North Dakota Department of Health

600 East Boulevard Avenue, Dept. 301 

Bismarck, ND 58505 

Ph: 701-328-2388 

Fax: 701-328-1890 

www.health.state.nd.us

egregoire@state.nd.us

NORTH MARIANA 

Current Status: 

No farm rescue training programs 

available. 

Agricultural Safety Contact: 

No current agricultural safety contact. 

State EMS Training Coordinator

Thomas M. Manglona 

EMS Manager 

Dept. of Public Safety 

Office of EMS/Rescue Section 

PMB 915 P.O. Box 10001 

Saipan, MP 96950 

Ph: 670-664-9135 

Fax: 670-664-9015 

tmanglona@hotmail.com
Farm Rescue and EMS: A State by State Directory 

Farm Rescue and EMS: A State by State Directory 21

OHIO 

Current Status: 

The Ohio State Fire Marshal’s office 

offers an accredited course geared 

toward equipment and victim 

extrication. 

Agricultural Safety Contact: 

Dee Jepsen 

Director of Ag. Safety & Health 

Programs 

Ohio Fire Academy 

Ohio State University Extension 

Department of Food Ag & Bio 

Engineering 

590 Woody Hayes Drive 

Columbus, OH 43210 

Ph: 614-292-6008 

Fax: 614-292-9448 

www.extension.osu.edu

jepsen.4@osu.edu

State EMS Training Coordinator 

Ellen Owens 

Chief of Education 

Ohio Division of EMS 

1970 West Broad Street 

P.O. Box 182073 

Columbus, OH 43218-2073 

Ph: 800-233-0785; 614-644-5708 

Fax: 614-995-7012 

www.ems.ohio.gov

eowens@dps.state.oh.us

OKLAHOMA 

Current Status: 

No farm rescue training programs 

available. 

Agricultural Safety Contact: 

Justin Grego 

Oklahoma Farm Bureau 

2501 North Stiles 

Oklahoma City, OK 73105 

Ph: 405-850-6479 

Fax: 406-523-2362 

www.okfarmbureau.org

Justin.Grego@okfb.org

State EMS Training Coordinator

Kay K. Hollingsworth 

EMS Division 

Oklahoma State Department of Health 

1000 NE 10th Street 

Oklahoma City, OK 73117-1299 

Ph: 405-271-4027 

Fax: 405-271-4240 

www.health.state.ok.us/program/ems/

kayh@health.state.ok.us
Farm Rescue and EMS: A State by State Directory 

Farm Rescue and EMS: A State by State Directory 22

OREGON 

Current Status: 

Farm rescue training is offered through 

the Farmedic program. The Oregon 

State Fire Marshal’s office is also 

conducting training. For more 

information contact: 503-378-3473 or 

email oregon.sfm@state.org.us. 

Agricultural Safety Contact: 

Myron D. Shenk 

Oregon State University 

College of Agricultural Sciences 

Department of Crop and Soil Science 

Corvallis, OR 97331 

Ph: 541-737-6274 or 541-737-1000 

http://oregonstate.edu

shenkm@science.oregonstate.edu

State EMS Training Coordinator 

Donna Wilson 

Department of Human Services 

Office of Public Health Services 

EMS and Trauma Section 

P.O. Box 14450 

Portland, OR 97214-0450 

Ph: 503-807-5850 

Fax: 503-731-4077 

oregon.gov/DHS/ph/ems/

Donna.R.Wilson@state.or.us

PENNSYLVANIA

Current Status: 

The Pennsylvania Agricultural Rescue 

Training Program developed by the 

Pennsylvania State University delivers 

training to rescue personnel through the 

following modules: Introduction to 

Farm Emergencies, Managing Tractor 

Emergencies, Managing Machinery 

Entanglements, and Managing Farm

Chemical Emergencies. For more 

information go to this Web site under 

managing agricultural emergencies 

overview 

http://www.farmemergencies.psu.edu/

Agricultural Safety Contact: 

Davis E. Hill 

Program Director 

Pennsylvania State University 

Managing Agricultural Emergencies 

205 Ag Engineering Building 

University Park, PA 16802 

Ph: 814-865-2808 

Fax: 814-863-1031 

http://agemergencies.cas.psu.edu/PAresc

ue.html

deh27@psu.edu

State EMS Training Coordinator 

Andrew Gilger EMT-P 

EMS Education and Clinical Systems 

Manager 

PA Department of Health 

Bureau of EMS 

H & W Building - Room 1032. 

Seventh and Forster Streets 

Harrisburg, PA 17102 

(717) 787-8740 

Fax: (717)772-0910 

www.health.state.pa.us/ems 

www.rollwithit.com 
Farm Rescue and EMS: A State by State Directory 

Farm Rescue and EMS: A State by State Directory 23

RHODE ISLAND 

Current Status: 

No farm rescue training programs 

available. 

Agricultural Safety Contact: 

No current agricultural safety contact. 

State EMS Training Coordinator 

Peter Leary 

Chief, Division of EMS 

Rhode Island Department of Health 

3 Capitol Hill, Room 105 

Providence, RI 02908-5097 

Ph: 401-222-2401 

Fax: 401-222-3352 

www.health.state.ri.us

peterl@doh.state.ri.us 

SOUTH CAROLINA 

Current Status: 

Farm rescue programs are available 

through the Upstate EMS Council. For 

more information go to 

www.upstateems.com. 

Agricultural Safety Contact: 

Scott Garrett 

Upstate EMS Council 

121 Interstate Boulevard Suite 5-B 

Greenville, SC 29615 

Ph: 864-289-0112 

Fax: 864-289-0114 

www.upstateems.com

dhession@upstateems.com

State EMS Training Coordinator 

Donald L. Whiteley 

SC DHEC Division of EMS 

2600 Bull Street 

Columbia, SC 29201 

Ph: 803-545-4269 

Fax: 803-545-4212 

www.scdhec.gov/hr/ems/

whiteldl@dhec.sc.gov 

SOUTH DAKOTA 

Current Status: 

No farm rescue training programs 

available. 

Agricultural Safety Contact: 

Dick Nicolai 

Associate Professor/Extension Specialist

South Dakota State University 

Ag & Biosystems Engineering 

1400 North Campus Drive 

Box 2120 Room 123 

Brookings, SD 57007-1496 

Ph: 605-688-5663 

Fax: 605-688-6764 

http://www3.sdstate.edu/Academics/Coll

egeOfEngineering/AgriculturalandBiosy

stemsEngineering/Index.cfm

nicolaid@sdstate.edu

State EMS Training Coordinator 

Marty Link 

Office of Emergency Medical Services 

Department of Public Safety 

118 West Capitol Avenue 

Pierre, SD 57501-2000 

Ph: 605-773-4526 

Fax: 605-773-6631 

www.state.sd.us/dps/ems

marty.link@state.sd.us
Farm Rescue and EMS: A State by State Directory 

Farm Rescue and EMS: A State by State Directory 24

TENNESSEE 

Current Status: 

No farm rescue training programs 

available. 

Agricultural Safety Contact: 

Dennis Rowe 

Rural/Metro of Tennessee 

Ph: 865-988-4859

www.ruralmetrotn.com

State EMS Training Coordinator 

Donna Tidwell 

Tennessee Department of Health 

Cordell Hull Building, First Floor

425 5th Street North 

Nashville, TN 37247-0701 

Ph: 615-741-4521 

Fax: 615-741-4217 

http://www2.state.tn.us/health/ems/

Donna.G.Tidwell@state.tn.us

TEXAS 

Current Status: 

No farm rescue training programs 

available. 

Agricultural Safety Contact: 

Bruce Lesikar 

Associate Professor/Extension Specialist 

TAMU Biological/Ag Engineering 

Texas Water Resources Institute 

2118 TAMU 

College Station, TX 77843-2118 

Ph: 979-845-7453 or 979-845-1851 

Fax: 979-845-8554 

http://twri.tamu.edu/

b-lesikar@tamu.edu 

State EMS Training Coordinator

Terry Bavousett 

Texas Department of Health 

1100 West 49th Street 

Austin, TX 78756-3199 

Ph: 512-834-6700 

Fax: 512-834-6736 

www.tdh.state.tx.us/hcqs/ems

terry.bavousett@tdh.state.tx.us 
Farm Rescue and EMS: A State by State Directory 

Farm Rescue and EMS: A State by State Directory 25

UTAH 

Current Status: 

The Utah Farm Bureau offers the 

Farmedic program and the Utah Farm 

Extrication course for EMS personnel. 

Agricultural Safety Contact: 

A.J. Ferguson

Director of Farm Safety 

Utah Farm Bureau Federation 

9865 South State Street 

Sandy, UT 84070 

Ph: 801-233-3006 

Fax: 801-233-3030 

http://utfb.fb.org

aferguson@fbfs.com

State EMS Training Coordinator 

Don Wood 

Utah Department of Health 

Bureau of EMS

288 North 1460 West 

P.O. Box 142004 

Salt Lake City, UT 84114-2004 

Ph: 801-538-6287 

Fax: 801-538-6808 

www.health.state.ut.us/ems

donwood@utah.gov 

VERMONT 

Current Status: 

The University of Vermont Extension 

Farm Safety Specialist provides 

leadership and coordination for the 

Vermont Farmedic program. 

 

Agricultural Safety Contact: 

George L. Cook 

Maple Farm Safety 

University of Vermont Extension 

Specialist 

29 Sunset Drive, Suite 2 

Morrisville, VT 05661-8331 

Ph: 802-888-4972 

Fax: 802-888-2432 

http://www.uvm.edu/~uvmaple

george.cook@uvm.edu

State EMS Training Coordinator 

Michael F. O'Keefe 

Vermont Department of Health & EMS 

108 Cherry Street 

P.O. Box 70 

Burlington, VT 05402 

Ph: 802-863-7310 

Fax: 802-863-7577 

www.vermontems.org

mokeefe@vdh.state.vt.us
Farm Rescue and EMS: A State by State Directory 

Farm Rescue and EMS: A State by State Directory 26

VIRGINIA 

Current Status: 

Training is conducted by the Department 

of Fire Programs in collaboration with 

the Virginia Association of Volunteer 

Rescue Squads. 

Agricultural Safety Contact: 

Robert Grisso 

Virginia Tech Cooperative Extension 

Biological Systems Engineering Dept 

200 Seitz Hall (0303) Virginia Tech 

Blacksburg, VA 24061-0303 

Ph: 540-231-6538 or 540-231-6615 

Fax: 540-231-3199 

www.bse.vt.edu

rgrisso@vt.edu 

State EMS Training Coordinator 

Warren W. Short, Jr. 

Office of EMS 

109 Governor St., Suite UB-55 

Richmond, VA 23219 

Ph: 804-864-7600 

Fax: 804-864-7580 

www.vdh.virginia.gov/oems

warren.short@vdh.virginia.gov 

WASHINGTON 

Current Status: 

No farm rescue training programs 

available. 

Agricultural Safety Contact: 

Edward B. Adams 

Interim Assoc Dean/Assoc Director of 

Agriculture/Natural Resources 

Washington State University Extension 

412 East Spokane Falls Blvd, Room 213 

PO Box 1495 

Spokane, WA 99210-1495 

Ph: 509-358-7960 

Fax: 509-358-7979 

www.wsu.edu

adamse@wsu.edu

State EMS Training Coordinator 

Michael C. Lopez 

EMS Education, Training & Regional 

Support 

Office of EMS & Trauma Systems 

Department of Health 

P.O. Box 47853 

Olympia, WA 98504 

Ph: 360-236-2841 

Fax: 360-236-2829 

www.doh.wa.gov/hsqa/emtp

mike.lopez@doh.wa.gov
Farm Rescue and EMS: A State by State Directory 

Farm Rescue and EMS: A State by State Directory 27

WEST VIRGINIA 

Current Status: 

The West Virginia University Fire 

Extension provides two classes on farm 

rescue at regional fire schools. The Farm 

Extrication and Farmedic program 

provides firefighters and emergency 

medical personnel with knowledge of 

farm accidents, farm hazards, and 

general rescue/extrication procedures 

when responding and operating at an 

agricultural emergency. The Heavy 

Vehicle Rescue course is designed for 

vehicle extrication with large vehicles.

Agricultural Safety Contact: 

Mike Caravasos 

Adjunct Instructor 

West Virginia University Fire Extension 

State Fire Training Center 

Monongahela Boulevard 

PO Box 6610 

Morgantown, WV 26506-6610 

Ph: 304.293.6382

Fax: 304.293.2107 

Toll Free: 1-866-WVU-FIRE 

http://www.wvu.edu/~exten/depts/fireser

v/fireserv.htm

MACaravasos@mail.wvu.edu 

State EMS Training Coordinator 

Mark Wigal 

West Virginia Office of EMS 

350 Capital Street, Room 515 

Charleston, WV 25301 

Ph: 304-558-3956 

Fax: 304-558-1437 

www.wvoems.org

markwigal@wvdhhr.org 

WISCONSIN 

Current Status: 

UW-Extension has made numerous farm 

rescue presentations. Specialists Code 3 

farm rescue instructors conduct training 

throughout the State and published 

articles related to rescuer safety and 

agricultural trauma. 

Agricultural Safety Contact: 

Cheryl Skjolaas 

University of Wisconsin 

Center for Ag. Safety & Health 

Dept of Biological Systems Engineering 

460 Henry Mall 

Madison, WI 53706

Ph: 608-262-6330

Fax: 608-262-1228 

www.wisc.edu

skjolaas@facstaff.wisc.edu

Gerald Minor, Chief 

Pittsville Fire Dept 

5388 4th Avenue 

Pittsville, WI 54466-0241 

Ph: 715-884-6514 

http://departments.firehouse.com/dept/Pi

ttsvilleWI 

pfd911@tds.net

Ron Naab 

Specialists Code 3 

PO Box 362 

Allenton, WI 53002 

Ph: 414-629-9749 

State EMS Training Coordinator 

Joanne Herfel 

Bureau of EMS & Injury Prevention 

1 West Wilson Street 

Madison, WI 53701-2659 

Ph: 608-266-0472 

Fax: 608-261-6392 

http://dhfs.wisconsin.gov/ems/index.htm

herfejl@dhfs.state.wi.us
Farm Rescue and EMS: A State by State Directory 

Farm Rescue and EMS: A State by State Directory 28

WYOMING

Current Status: 

No farm rescue training programs available. 

Agricultural Safety Contact: 

Jerry Langehn 

Farm/Ranch Safety Specialist 

University of Wyoming 

Dept. 3354 Ag Bldg Room 107 

1000 East University Avenue 

Laramie, WY 82071 

Ph: 307-766-3565 

Cell: 406-930-0907 

langbehn@uwyo.edu

Ruth Wilson 

Associate Director / Extension Education 

University of Wyoming 

College of Agriculture 

Cooperative Extension Service 

Dept. 3354 Ag Bldg Room 103 

1000 E. University Ave. 

Laramie, WY 82071 

Ph: 307-766-3567 

www.uwyo.edu

drruth@uwyo.edu 

State EMS Training Coordinator 

Bob Dean 

Wyoming EMS Office 

Hathaway Building, 4th Floor 

Cheyenne, WY 82002 

Ph: 307-777-7955 

Fax: 307-777-5639 

http://wdhfs.state.wy.us/ems

bdean@state.wy.us 
Farm Rescue and EMS: A State by State Directory 

Farm Rescue and EMS: A State by State Directory 29

Contact REMSTTAC: 

Thank you for using the Farm Rescue and EMS: A State by State Directory. We’re 

interested in your feedback on the use and utility of this product. If you have comments 

or suggestions for improvement, please contact us at: 

Health Resources and Services Administration, Office of Rural Health Policy 

5600 Fishers Lane, Room 9A-55 

Rockville, MD 20857 

Phone 301-443-0835 

Fax 301-443-2803 

http://ruralhealth.hrsa.gov/

REMSTTAC 

300 North Willson Avenue 

Suite 802-H 

Bozeman, MT 59715 

Phone 406-587-6370 

Toll Free 866-587-6370 

Fax 406-585-2741 

info@remsttac.org 

http://www.ruralhealth.hrsa.gov/ruralems
Farm Rescue and EMS: A State by State Directory 

Farm Rescue and EMS: A State by State Directory 30

RESOURCES 

Farmedic is a curriculum designed to train rescue workers for proper response to rural 

emergencies. It was developed by Cornell University. The training system now includes 

an Instructor Training Program, which is intended to develop into a localized Provider 

Training Program for the local responders. The training includes classroom work, 

videos, farm tours, modular demonstrations, and hands-on extrications using mannequins 

in real life scenarios. Additionally, this program has the ability to branch out into the 

rural community with the "First on the Scene” presentation, which addresses the needs of 

the person that may discover the farm emergency. For more information go to 

www.farmedic.com or contact the program coordinator. A National course schedule is 

available on the Web site at http://www.farmedic.com/schedule. 

Tonya Van Slyke, Coordinator

Cornell Farmedic Training Program 

777 Warren Road 

Ithaca, NY 14850 

Ph: 800-437-6010 

Ph: 607-257-9700 (from Canada) 

Fax: 607-257-5041 

farmedic@cornell.edu

Farm Rescue: Responding to Incidents and Emergencies in Agricultural Settings.

Field, W.E., (1999). 

This publication familiarizes emergency medical and rescue personnel with basic 

principles and procedures for responding to agricultural emergencies and will enable 

rescuers to approach a farm rescue with confidence and a greater awareness of the risks 

involved. Topics covered are: tractor over-turns, machinery entanglements, grain bin 

entrapments, electrocution, silo entrapments and fires, exposure to toxic gases, and 

agricultural chemical fires. Revision of the 1986 edition of Farm Accident Rescue.

Extinguishing Fires in Silos and Hay Mows. Murphy, D.J, Arble, W.C. Pennsylvania 

State University, APLITECH: Spring Mills, PA, (2000). This publication explains the 

causes of silo and hay mow fires and teaches firefighters how to safely and effectively 

extinguish them. The type of silo, conventional, oxygen-limiting, or modified oxygenlimiting, determines the approach to fighting the fire. This document explains the 

techniques for locating and extinguishing fires in the different silo types. Revision of the 

1989 edition of Extinguishing Silo Fires. 

First on the Scene. Murphy, D.J., Pollack, J., Smith, G., Bean, T., Sailus, M., (1989). 

This publication provides detailed discussions and decision-and-action diagrams for 

specific farm accident scenarios involving machinery, storage facilities, chemicals, and 

electrocution. Since such accidents often occur in isolated areas where help is not 

immediately available, those arriving first on the scene must understand the hazards and 

necessary reactions to enable a victim to survive. 
Farm Rescue and EMS: A State by State Directory 

Farm Rescue and EMS: A State by State Directory 31

Farm Safety: Prevention, Rescue, and Rehabilitation. Rein, B.K. United States 

Department of Agriculture Extension Service. Available through the National Ag Safety 

Database Web site at http://www.cdc.gov/nasd/docs/d001001-

d001100/d001049/d001049.html. This publication describes educational programs 

developed by the Cooperative Extension System that apply a holistic approach to 

agricultural safety and health. Programs range from prevention of traumatic injury and 

health hazards, to rescue of farm accident victims, to rehabilitation of farmers with 

disabling injuries. 

ORGANIZATIONS 

Critical Illness and Trauma Foundation, Inc. (CIT) 

CIT is a private non-profit organization whose focus is on improving outcomes for 

people who become suddenly ill or who are injured in rural areas of the United States and 

around the world. CIT is a highly collaborative organization, believing that answers to 

health care challenges in rural areas will not come in isolation but in cooperation. For 

more information contact CIT at 406-585-2659, email info@citmt.org or go to 

www.citmt.org/index2.htm. 

Center for Rural Emergency Medicine (CREM) 

CREM is a multi-disciplinary center with academic relationships to various public health, 

acute care and prevention agencies across the Nation. Since its inception, CREM has 

assisted rural communities in West Virginia's 55 counties through education, research, 

technical support and outreach activities. CREM is affiliated with the Jon Michael 

Moore Trauma Center at WVU's Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center. For more 

information contact CREM at 304-293-6682, email dsummers@hsc.wvu.edu or go to 

http://www.hsc.wvu.edu/crem/. 

Emergency Medical Services for Children – National Resource Center (EMSCNRC) 

The Emergency Medical Services for Children Program is a national initiative designed 

to reduce child and youth disability and death due to severe illness and injury. Medical 

personnel, parents and volunteers, community groups and businesses, and national 

organizations and foundations all contribute to the effort. HRSA administers the program 

in partnership with the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic 

Safety Administration. EMSC grants fund States and U.S. Territories to improve existing 

emergency medical services (EMS) systems and to develop and evaluate improved 

procedures and protocols for treating children. The EMSC program is the only Federal 

program that focuses specifically on improving the quality of children's emergency care. 

All States, U.S. Territories, and the District of Columbia have received Federal funding. 

Currently, only State governments and accredited schools of medicine are eligible to 

receive EMSC grants. The EMSC National Resource Center provides support and 

technical assistance to grantees and others interested in the improvement of health and 

the reduction of illness or injury to America’s children. For additional information 

contact the EMSC – NRC at 202-884-4927, email information@emscnrc.com or go to 

www.ems-c.org. 
Farm Rescue and EMS: A State by State Directory 

Farm Rescue and EMS: A State by State Directory 32

National Association of Emergency Medical Services Educators (NAEMSE) 

NAEMSE promotes EMS Education, develops and delivers educational resources, and 

advocates research and life long learning. For more information contact NAEMSE at 

412-920-4775, email naemse@naemse.org or go to www.naemse.org. 

National Association of Emergency Medical Services Physicians (NAEMSP)

NAEMSP is an organization of physicians and other professionals partnering to provide 

leadership and foster excellence in out of hospital emergency medical services. For more 

information contact NAEMSP at 800-228-3677, email info-naemsp@goAMP.com or go 

to www.naemsp.org. 

National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT) 

NAEMT represents and serves Emergency Medical Services personnel through 

advocacy, educational programs and research of particular interest to this discussion. 

NAEMT sponsors Prehospital Trauma Life Support training for EMS and rescue 

personnel. For more information contact NAEMT at 1-800-34-NAEMT, email 

info@naemt.org or go to www.naemt.org. 

National Association of State Emergency Medical Services Officials (NASEMSO) 

NASEMO is the lead national organization for EMS, a respected voice for national EMS 

policy with comprehensive concern and commitment for the development of effective, 

integrated, community-based, universal, and consistent EMS systems. The National 

Association of State EMS Officials supports its members in providing vision and 

leadership in the development and improvement of EMS systems and national EMS 

policy. For more information contact NASEMSO at 703-538-1799, email 

info@nasemso.org or go to www.nasemsd.org. 

National Council of State Emergency Medical Services Training Coordinators 

(NCSEMSTC)

The National Council of State EMS Training Coordinators promotes the training of 

Emergency Medical Services personnel based on sound educational principles, current 

medical knowledge and practice. The Council seeks the standardization of nationwide 

training curricula; certification/recertification policies and procedures; the reciprocity of 

certification from State to State; and the public recognition and trust of prehospital EMS 

personnel health care providers. For more information contact NCSEMSTC at 703-538-

1794, email lgration@NCSEMSTC.org or go to www.ncsemstc.org. 

National Children’s Center for Rural & Agricultural Health & Safety (NCCRAHS) 

NCCRAHS strives to enhance the health and safety of all children exposed to hazards 

associated with agricultural work and rural environments. For more information contact 

NCCRAHS at 800-662-6900, email nfmcsh@mcrf.mfldclin.edu or go to 

www.marshfieldclinic.org/nfmc/pages/default.aspx?page=nccrahs_welcome. 
Farm Rescue and EMS: A State by State Directory 

Farm Rescue and EMS: A State by State Directory 33

National Farm Medicine Center (NFMC) 

NFMC is a not-for-profit program of Marshfield Clinic Research Foundation. Established 

in 1981, NFMC addresses the disease and injury problems of our Nation's farmers, 

ranchers and others in industries related to agriculture. For more information contact 

NFMC at 800-662-6900, email nfmcsh@mcrf.mfldclin.edu or go to 

www.marshfieldclinic.org/nfmc/pages/default.aspx?page=nfmc_welcome. 

Office of Rural Health Policy (ORHP) 

The Office of Rural Health Policy (ORHP) promotes better health care service in rural 

America. Established in August 1987 by the Administration, the Office was 

subsequently authorized by Congress in December 1987 and located in the Health 

Resources and Services Administration. Congress charged the Office with informing and 

advising the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services on matters affecting rural 

hospitals and health care, coordinating activities within the department that relate to rural 

health care, and maintaining a national information clearinghouse. ORHP manages 

several grant programs that may be applicable to improving medical response to farm 

related illness and injury. Contact information: Health Resources and Services 

Administration, Office of Rural Health Policy, 5600 Fishers Lane, 9A-55, Rockville, MD 

20857, 301-443-0835. Email JRueda@hrsa.gov or go to www.ruralhealth.hrsa.gov. 

Rural Emergency Medical Services & Trauma Technical Assistance Center 

(REMSTTAC) 

REMSTTAC, established by the HRSA Office of Rural Health Policy (ORHP), is 

dedicated to assisting ORHP in their support of EMS and rural health policymakers, EMS 

agencies, EMS professionals and the communities they serve, to help ensure that EMS 

can continue to survive and thrive in rural and frontier communities. REMSTTAC serves 

as a national focal point for the dissemination of information on rural emergency medical 

services and trauma care. REMSTTAC assists rural communities and organizations in 

improving the quality and effectiveness of their trauma health care by offering up-to-date, 

timely, accessible, and effective information and assistance to help them overcome 

obstacles such as limited financial capital, human resources, training, and technical 

knowledge. For more information contact REMSTTAC at 866-587-6370, email 

comments@hrsa.gov or go to www.ruralhealth.hrsa.gov/ruralems. The Rural and 

Frontier Emergency Medical Services Agenda for the Future may be ordered on-line at 

www.remsttac.org, you may also contact REMSTTAC for a free wallet CD-ROM of the 

agenda at info@remsttac.org or toll-free at 866-587-6370. 
Farm Rescue and EMS: A State by State Directory 

Farm Rescue and EMS: A State by State Directory 34

CITATIONS 

1. Hiott, A.E., Quandt, S.A., Early, J., Jackson, D.S., Arcury, T.A. (2006). 

Review of pesticide education materials for health care providers providing 

care to agricultural workers. Journal of Rural Health, 22 (1), 17-25.

2. McGinnis, K.K. (2004). Rural and frontier emergency medical services 

agenda for the future. Kansas City, MO: National Rural Health Association.

3. Robertson, S.M., Murphy, D.J., Davis, L.A. (2006). Social and emotional 

impacts of farm work injuries: an exploratory study. Journal of Rural Health, 

22 (1), 26-35.

ADDITIONAL REFERENCES 

1. Agriculture and Fall Safe Efforts in 2003. (Fax from Doug McDonald 

7/29/2004). West Virginia University: Safety and Health Extension. 

http://www.wvu.edu/~exten/depts/she/she.htm. 

2. AgriSafe Network, Inc. (1987). Safe and healthy agricultural communities 

[Brochure]. Keedysville, MD: Author. www.agrisafe.org. 

3. Esser, N., Heiberger, S., and Lee, B. (Eds.) (2nd Ed, 2003). Creating Safe Play 

Areas on Farms. Marshfield, WI: National Children’s Center for Rural and 

Agricultural Health and Safety. 

4. McSwan, N.E. (Ed) (2003). Prehospital trauma life support. St. Louis, MO: 

Mosby. 

5. Stueland, D.T., McCarty, J.E., Stamas, P., Gunderson, P.D. (1996). Evaluation 

of agricultural rescue course by providers. Prehospital & Disaster Medicine, 

11(3), 234-8. 
Farm Rescue and EMS: A State by State Directory 

Farm Rescue and EMS: A State by State Directory 35

APPENDIX A: ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 

This compendium was made possible by funds provided by HRSA’s ORHP and the Rural 

Emergency Medical Services and Trauma Technical Assistance Center (REMSTTAC), 

National Farm Medical Center (NFMC) and the Children’s Safety Network. Special 

thanks for producing this compendium go to NFMC staff Mark Purschwitz, Research 

Engineer; Lisa Decker, Rural Youth Safety Specialist; Christian Hanna, CSN Rural Site 

Director and to REMSTTAC staff Teri Sanddal, Associate Director; Heather Soucy, 

Program Support Specialist; Nels Sanddal, Director; and Joe Hansen, Assistant Director 

and members of the Agricultural Injury Workgroup at REMSTTAC. 

Teri L. Sanddal, B.S., Co-chair 

Associate Director 

Rural Emergency Medical Services and Trauma Technical Assistance Center 

Christian L. Hanna, MPH, Co-chair 

CSN Rural Site Director 

National Children's Center for Rural and Agricultural Health and Safety 

Contributors and Reviewers: 

Jane W. Ball, RN, DrPH 

Director 

Emergency Medical Services for Children 

National Resource Center 

Children's National Medical Center 

Trauma-EMS Technical Assistance Center 

Bob Heath 

EMS Education Coordinator 

Nevada State Health Division 

N. Clay Mann, PhD, MS 

Professor, Associate Director for Research 

University of Utah School of Medicine 

Intermountain Injury Control Research Center 

Daniel Summers, RN, BSN, CEN, EMT-P 

Director of Education 

West Virginia University 

Center for Rural Emergency Medicine 

Blanca Fuertes, MPA 

Project Officer 

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 

Health Resources and Services Administration 

Office of Rural Health Policy 
Farm Rescue and EMS: A State by State Directory 

Farm Rescue and EMS: A State by State Directory 36

APPENDIX B: REMSTTAC STAKEHOLDERS GROUP

Jane Ball, Executive Director 

EMSC National Resource Center 

Trauma-EMS Technical Assistance 

Center 

Eli Briggs, Policy & State Affairs 

Manager 

National Rural Health Association 

Government Affairs Office 

Bethany Cummings 

Rural Affairs Ad Hoc Committee 

National Association of EMS Physicians 

Drew Dawson, Chief, EMS Division 

National Highway Traffic Safety 

Administration 

Tom Esposito, Medical Director 

Rural EMS and Trauma Technical 

Assistance Center 

Loyola University Medical Center 

Blanca Fuertes, Project Officer 

U.S. Department of Health and Human 

Services 

Health Resources and Services 

Administration 

Office of Rural Health Policy 

Grant Gray, Representative 

National Association of Emergency 

Medical Technicians 

Christian L. Hanna, Rural Site Director 

Children’s Safety Network 

National Children's Center for Rural 

Agricultural Health and Safety 

Bob Heath, EMS Education Coordinator 

Nevada State Health Division 

Marilyn Jarvis, Assistant Director for 

Continuing Education 

Burns Telecommunications Center 

Montana State University 

Doug Kupas 

Rural Affairs Ad Hoc Committee 

National Association of EMS Physicians 

Fergus Laughridge, Program Manager 

Nevada State Health Division 

EMS Bureau of Licensure & 

Certification 

Tami Lichtenberg, Program Manager 

Technical Assistance and Services 

Center 

Rural Health Resource Center 

Patrick Malone, Director 

Initiative for Rural Emergency Medical 

Services 

University of Vermont 

N. Clay Mann, Professor, Associate 

Director of Research 

Intermountain Injury Control Research 

Center 

University of Utah 

Evan Mayfield, CDC Public Health 

Advisor 

New York Department of Health 

Charity Moore, Research Assistant 

Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health 

Services Research 

University of North Carolina at Chapel 

Hill 
Farm Rescue and EMS: A State by State Directory 

Farm Rescue and EMS: A State by State Directory 37

Carol Miller, Executive Director 

Frontier Education Center 

National Clearinghouse for Frontier 

Communities 

Daniel Patterson, AHRQ-NRSA PostDoctoral Research Fellow 

Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health 

Services Research 

University of North Carolina at Chapel 

Hill 

Davis Patterson, Research Associate 

WWAMI Center for Health Workforce 

Studies 

University of Washington 

Kristine Sande, Project Director 

Rural Assistance Center 

Dan Summers, Director of Education 

Center for Rural Emergency Medicine 

West Virginia University 

Chris Tilden, Interim Director 

Kansas Department of Health & 

Environment 

Office of Local & Rural Health 

Robert K. Waddell II, Secretary 

/Treasurer 

National Association of EMS Educators 

Bill White, President 

National Native American EMS 

Association 

Gary Wingrove, Program Development 

Technical Assistance and Services 

Center 

Rural Health Resource Center 

Jill Zabel, Healthcare Consulting 

Wipfli LLP