Medina Fire Department rescues man trapped in grain bin

MEDINA, Ohio (WOIO) - The Medina Fire Department rescued a man trapped in a grain bin Wednesday afternoon.

The department responded to a call at 2:12 p.m. about a man stuck inside a grain bin.

The fire team said when they arrived on the scene, the man was discovered to be both alert and oriented, but was buried up to his chest by corn.

According to the department, when someone is trapped in grain, they typically can’t move because of the weight of the surrounding material.

Crews first attempted to dig the man out, but those attempts proved to be ineffective as the grain filled back up.

An arriving crew from Engine 2 of the department was able to enter the bin through a side door and rescue the victim using a sling to prevent him from being engulfed deeper, according to fire officials.

Paramedics were able to treat the victim using a grain rescue sleeve, which allows corn to be removed.

Paramedics and the fire crew received assistance with using the grain rescue sleeve from the Rope and Confined Space rescue team.

After using the sleeve, corn levels sank to below the man’s waist, allowing him to be freed, placed in a Stokes basket and removed from the bin.

Once he was freed, the man was airlifted by a medical crew helicopter to a trauma center.

Later the same day, the man was released from the hospital and reported to have no injuries. First responders also were reported as having sustained no injuries.