About this Event
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On a ranch, we are used to handling problems ourselves. We fix fence, pull calves, repair equipment, and adjust when weather changes the plan. But emergencies are different.
When someone is seriously injured on a ranch, help is rarely five minutes away. In many parts of our county, emergency response can take 15–30 minutes, sometimes longer depending on access and location. What happens in those first few minutes matters.
That’s why UF/IFAS Extension Polk County and the Polk County Cattlemen’s Association are partnering to offer: "Ranch Ready: Emergency Skills for When Minutes Matter!"
This program is designed specifically for ranchers, family members, and employees working around livestock, equipment, heat, and uneven terrain.
We are not training paramedics. We are building confidence to buy time until help arrives.
Ranch Ready will provide hands-on training in:
- CPR and AED use
- Stop the Bleed techniques
- Stabilizing crush and trauma injuries
- Heat-related emergency response
- Building a practical Ranch Emergency Action Plan
This structured, ranch-focused program is designed to be practical, conversational, and directly applicable to working operations in our area.
We hope you will join us!
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If any accommodations are needed, please contact Bridget Stice at 863-519-1041 or [email protected]. Requests should be made as soon as possible but at least ten days prior to the scheduled event.
Cancellation Policy: Programs, workshops, and events are subject to cancellation if a minimum number of attendees are not registered. Cancellations will be posted on Eventbrite and an email will be sent to registrants.
Go to https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/polk/ for more information.
If you have any questions, please contact us at 863-519-1041.
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Get Hands-On Training in the Following Areas:
What Matters Most in the First 10 Minutes
Across working ranch operations, the most life-threatening emergencies typically fall into a few categories:
- Cardiac arrest
- Severe bleeding
- Crush injuries and traumatic falls
- Heat stroke
- Delayed EMS access
Preparation in these areas can significantly improve outcomes.
CPR and AED Access
Cardiac arrest survival decreases rapidly without immediate chest compressions. Hands-only CPR can make a life-saving difference.
Consider:
- Who on your ranch knows how to perform CPR?
- If someone collapsed during pen work, who would take the lead?
- Do you know where the nearest AED is located?
Even strong, experienced agricultural workers are not immune to cardiac events, particularly during high heat and physically demanding conditions.
Severe Bleeding: Act Immediately
Heavy equipment, livestock handling facilities, trailers, and tools all carry risk.
In a bleeding emergency:
- Apply firm, direct pressure.
- Use a tourniquet when needed.
- Do not delay action waiting for EMS.
A well-stocked trauma kit that is accessible , not locked away, can save critical minutes.
Crush Injuries and Trauma Response
Falls from horses, cattle pinning, ATV accidents, and equipment rollovers can result in internal injuries or spinal trauma.
Sometimes the best response is:
- Keeping the injured person still.
- Monitoring breathing.
- Treating for shock.
- Clearly communicating location to 911.
Knowing when not to move someone can be just as important as knowing what to do.
Summer Heat Is a Reality
Summer in Florida is hot. Long days working cattle, repairing fence lines, or moving equipment increase the risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Heat stroke is a medical emergency requiring rapid cooling and immediate response.
Recognizing early warning signs, confusion, dizziness, excessive fatigue, altered behavior, protects your family and your employees.
Can Emergency Responders Find You?
One of the most overlooked pieces of emergency preparedness is access.
- Is your address clearly posted?
- Do you know your GPS coordinates?
- Is someone designated to meet EMS at the gate?
- Could a helicopter safely land if necessary?
An Emergency Action Plan does not need to be complicated, but it should be written down and shared.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
UF/IFAS Extension Office / Stuart Center, 1702 South Holland Parkway, Bartow, United States
USD 12.51
