Assessment of a Gas Monitor Distribution Program in Rural Wisconsin

Manure gases are deadly agricultural hazards that recently caused the deaths of two manure haulers and rural firefighters in New York in June 2024. This study had two objectives: 1) survey fire departments to learn about their use and promotion of four gas monitors in rural communities; 2) assess the Four Gas Monitor Program, a gas monitor distribution program in rural Wisconsin that targets first responders, to learn whether it is having an impact on rural community emergency preparedness.

A rapid, survey-based study was conducted in July 2024. The survey was distributed to the 81 fire departments that had members attend an Agriculture Rescue Training event, including 31 departments that had received gas monitors as a part of the Four Gas Monitor Program. The survey included questions about gas monitor use and promotion by the fire departments.

Seventeen different departments responded to the survey. It was found that 16 of the 17 departments had four gas monitors, and 10 departments had received monitors from the Four Gas Monitor Program. Additionally, 13 departments informed their communities about the monitors, 3 used the monitors with farmers, and 15 departments had used monitors during an emergency response.

The study findings show that the Four Gas Monitor Program has successfully placed gas monitors into the hands of rural first responders, particularly in Central Wisconsin. The outcome of the Four Gas Monitor Program shows the potential for positively shaping the agricultural health and safety landscape through sustained work with first responders.