Napoleon man rescued from grain bin accident

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Grain bin rescue was successful thanks to the expertise of the local fire departments. Always call 911 first when you’re in a situation such as this.

On Thursday, May 23, a 911 call came in for help at 11:17 a.m. at the Ertel Farm on Hwy 421, Napoleon. Keith Ertel was trapped in a grain bin on his farm. He was able to call out to his son Eric for help first. After trying to free his father Eric called for assistance.

According to Steve Meyer, Chief of Napoleon Fire Dept., when they arrived, Ertel was trapped in the bin waste deep. Ertel had tried to get something out of his bin and his leg got stuck. Then while trying to climb out with his son’s help, the corn kept moving on top of him causing his legs to be in a split position. This was not a normal extrication because of the leg position so they had to use two rescue tubes for a wider rescue area.

As shown in the photo, he was provided earmuffs to muffle the banging on the tubes to try to release him. He was also given oxygen to keep him calm while in the bin as it took several hours to complete the rescue.

Once they were able to release enough to get him harnessed in, he was able to climb the ladder inside the bin and be brought to safety. This was one of the scariest times for a farmer. The Fire Departments have extra training for these types of scenarios with farming equipment. Our community firefighters are well trained and save many lives. It is so important for people in need to call immediately when something like this happens.

Many assisted on Thursday to help any way they could. Napoleon Fire Dept. were assisted by Osgood Fire Dept., Osgood Police Dept., Ripley Co. Dispatch, Ripley Co. Sheriffs Dept., Ripley Co. EMS, Batesville Fire Dept and their aerial equipment, Letts Fire Dept. with their vacuum equipment and others from the community at hand.