NFU urges members to attend ‘life-saving’ farm safety training
Member Will Dickinson being tended to by first responders after his hay bale incident in June 2026. Photograph: Will Dickinson.
FarmersAid are inviting farming people to take part in their new pilot First Farmer on Scene courses, giving eligible participants access to vital emergency response training.
The three-hour, hands-on course is free for eligible farming people and is supported by RABI and delivered by The MAAC Academy, made possible by the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity.
Multiple dates are available at the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity Airbase in Shropshire, while across the country, training sessions are being held in Powys, North Yorkshire, Cornwall, Cumbria and Devon between November and January.
NFU Vice-president Robyn Munt said: “The first few minutes after a serious accident on farm are the most critical but preparing for a moment like that can be daunting.
“In an emergency, you will be able to draw on this life-saving training, delivered by trained healthcare practitioners and imitating real-life situations, to stay calm and deliver aid to your colleague, friend or family member in the moments that count.”
“I would urge all members to check your eligibility and book a place on your closest course to help you prepare for that moment that we all hope will never happen.”
NFU Vice-president Robyn Munt
What will you learn?
The training will give participants the practical casualty and scene management skills and confidence to act when someone is seriously injured on farm before emergency services arrive.
Through hands-on activities and realistic scenarios, experienced pre-hospital care professionals will impart the essential knowledge needed in an emergency.
Who can attend?
The course is suitable for farmers, agricultural workers, rural businesses, landowners, dependants of a farming person, or anyone living or working in a rural setting.
RABI funding has made it possible for eligible participants to attend the course for free and receive a personal Critical Care Kit (for eligible participants aged 18 and over).
To qualify for a RABI-funded place, you must be:
- Aged 18 or over (participants aged 16-17 may be allowed to attend when accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over).
- A farming person – you must have previously worked in farming (min. two years) or be currently working in agriculture as your main source of employment, according to RABI’s criteria.
- A dependant of a farming person.
How to book
If you can’t make a session or don’t meet the criteria for a free spot, but are interested in future training, paid and funded places will be available for individuals and groups in 2027.
Robyn added: “I would urge all members to check your eligibility and book a place on your closest course to help you prepare for that moment that we all hope will never happen.”
To find out more and book, visit: Midlands Air Ambulance | First Farmer on Scene
To register your interest for future training sessions, visit: FarmersAid | Critical care first aid training
