On Saturday, August 10th at approximately 16:30 the Undine Fire Company was dispatched for an agricultural rescue. Initial calls reported a man buried up to his head in corn inside of a grain bin. Units from the Undine Fire Company, Logan Fire Company, Alpha Fire Company, Citizens Hook & Ladder (Milesburg), Millheim Fire Company, and Miles Township Fire Company also responded to the incident. Bellefonte EMS, medics from Mount Nittany Heath, and Spring Township Police Department also responded.

Spring Township PD were the first to arrive on scene, and found two men buried in the grain bin, one buried to his knees, and one with only his face above the corn. With the help of a farm worker, officers were able to attach a rope to the victim’s wrist, hoping to prevent him from being buried any further. Rescue crews began to arrive, and quickly deployed “The Great Wall of Rescue” – a tool specifically designed to assist in grain bin rescues by surrounding the patient, allowing crews to use handheld drill-powered augers to remove grain from around the victim.

Rescuers ran into many challenges, including obstructions, the position of the victim, the heat inside of the grain bin, and the condition of the patient. For a short time, the victim became entirely enveloped by grain. Through diligent work, rescuers were able to remove the grain from around the victim and pull him onto the grain pile, approximately 90 minutes after dispatch.

From there, rescuers had to secure the victim in a harness and preform a high-angle rescue, lifting the victim from the grain and lowering him to the ground. The victim was flown to Geisinger Life Flight 2 to UMPC Altoona, and was released from the hospital less than a day later.

Incredible work by all involved who helped to save a life.