Help Support Cork Safety Alerts – Donate the price of a coffee here via Stripe: https://csalert.ie/donate

As the National Ploughing Championships approach, taking place from 17th to 19th September 2024 in Ratheniska, Co Laois, the emergency medical response charity CRITICAL is urging farmers and agricultural workers to seek early medical assistance, particularly for mental health concerns.

CRITICAL has voiced concern that many in the agricultural sector wait too long before seeking help, often with tragic results. The charity highlights the vulnerability of farmers, particularly older men, who face both physical and mental health challenges in rural settings.

Dr Mark Ruddy, a GP in Co Wicklow and responder with CRITICAL, explained:

“In rural Ireland, mental health has only recently come to the fore. For years, we’ve ignored it. Farmers, especially older men in isolated areas, often have limited social outlets, which increases the risk of issues like depression and anxiety. Through my GP work, I see people presenting with mental health issues early on, but in my CRITICAL response role, I witness the devastating effects stress can have, including heart attacks, strokes, and suicides. Farmers are disproportionately represented in the suicide statistics.”

Dr Lisa Cunningham, a consultant in Mayo General Hospital and trustee of CRITICAL, added:

“While younger farmers are more open to discussing their struggles, many older farmers bury their feelings in work. They often feel like a burden or lack social outlets, leading them to continue without seeking help.”

Both Dr Ruddy and Dr Cunningham emphasised the importance of early intervention for both mental and physical health. Dr Ruddy warned that farmers are often critically ill by the time emergency services reach them due to the remote nature of their work and isolation. The first 10 to 20 minutes following a trauma are crucial, and delays in medical response can severely impact recovery.

CRITICAL is encouraging farmers to take simple steps to safeguard their health:

• Regularly visit your GP for check-ups.
• Be cautious with machinery, especially when tired or rushed.
• Always carry a mobile phone and a personal alarm.
• Install CCTV cameras to monitor remote areas.
• Have a plan in place for someone to manage the farm in case of illness or hospitalisation.

At the National Ploughing Championships, CRITICAL will have a stand where volunteers will be available to discuss farm safety and mental health concerns. Visitors can also enter a competition to win a defibrillator for their community, donated by Hayes First Aid.

CRITICAL volunteers respond to emergency calls for medical issues such as cardiac arrests, strokes, and serious traumas from farming and road accidents. To learn more or to support the charity, visit https://criticalcharity.ie/ or call 021 4190 999.