COURTLAND—The Southampton County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee hosted an Agricultural Injury Awareness & Prevention Program on July 29, 2013, at the Franklin-Southampton County Fairgrounds. The program was presented by Amy Johnson, RN, BSN, DNP-FNP Candidate from Moneta, Va. The program was attended by 37 Fire, Rescue & EMS responders from Southampton County and the City of Franklin.

Johnson’s presentation focused on the importance of understanding agricultural injuries since agriculture is the largest industry in Virginia and the world and the 2nd most dangerous occupation. The average age of the farmer in Virginia is 58.2 years and the annual risk of injury is 10-40%.

She told the group that there is no current statewide database to statistically analyze agricultural injury data. Trauma centers across the state are mandated by state law to report to the Virginia State Trauma Registry (VSTR); however, VSTR does not catalog agricultural injuries. She is working to develop a standardized reporting form and ask EMS agencies to voluntarily report to the Virginia Farm Bureau Safety Department when they respond to an agricultural injury call. Her power point presentation showed some graphic images from ag related injuries and stressed to the group the importance of being prepared when responding to ag injury calls.

Her long-term goals are to work with state representatives to introduce legislation amending current Virginia State Trauma Registry criteria and to develop an AgriSafe network program to educate healthcare providers and first responders about the unique hazards, illnesses and injuries on the farm.

If you are interested in having Amy Johnson come to your locality and meet with EMS agencies to initiate a reporting program, she can be reached at 540-798-8336 or vt_amyj@yahoo.com