By its very nature, agricultural contracting is a business which creates rivalry, be it competing against each other for work or friendly banter down the local about who has the best fleet of machines. Rivalry is just something that comes with the territory.

A group of contractors in west Cork has used this to their advantage in order to raise money for a vital community service, West Cork Rapid Response.

Last summer, an employee of one of the local contractors was in an accident which involved getting caught in a machine. The emergency services were immediately called to attend the scene and after administering first aid and some careful consideration, another call was made to get the West Cork Rapid Response unit along with Dr Jason Van Der Velde, who volunteers his time to the service out to the field.

Dr Van Der Velde works as an emergency doctor in the trauma department of the local hospital and volunteers his time and expertise when off work to the Rapid Response. Upon attending the scene, he was able to aid the emergency services and administer more effective analgesia in order to help extract the casualty from the machine.

West Cork Rapid Response is a completely voluntary group which was established by money raised through charitable events run in the community which it services. Cork is the largest county in Ireland, covering over 7,500km2, but surprisingly is only serviced by two hospitals.

With a rural population of over 400,000 people, there is obvious need for a mobile emergency unit in the rural areas. In 2008, the idea for a rapid response unit came about and through fundraising and a small government grant in 2009, the service was set up.

A specialised 4x4 was built which is filled with and all the latest lifesaving equipment you would need at an accident. By using a 4X4 mobile unit, they can gain access to remote places an ambulance cannot get to and bring everything you will find in the emergency department in a hospital, except the X-ray machine, to the site.

To keep the wheels turning on this vital service, which supports the national emergency services such as the ambulance, fire brigade and coastguard, costs on average between €30,000 and €40,000 per year.

It was undoubtedly because of the care that Dr Jason brought to the field that day with both his expertise as well as the equipment in the Rapid Response vehicle that produced the best possible outcome.

On average, the rapid response service saves 25 lives each year working hand in hand with the national emergency services.

Fundraiser

After the accident, a group of contractors, employees, friends and colleagues came up with the novel idea of hosting a battle of the contractors event (without the tractors) at the karting centre in Watergrasshill, Co Cork, this Saturday 21 January, in order to raise funds and give back to Rapid Response as well as help educate people on health and safety and the dangers around machinery.

On the night, 23 teams consisting of five members each will battle it out on the track to be crowned champions. As soon as the contractors in the community heard about the event and the good cause it was for, the places were quickly filled up at a cost of €250 per team. Local businesses also got involved by sponsoring prizes for a raffle on the night as well as making considerable donations to the charity.

There will also be an after party hosted in Riordans in Cork city, with tickets available at a cost of €5 each.

A presentation night is also being organised for two weeks later in Bandon to present the prizes and money raised from the event.

Machinery is an addiction for many of us but often we become complacent and take unnecessary risks, forgetting just how dangerous machines can be. It’s fantastic to see the farming community getting together to give back by raising money for such a vital service.

When and where?

The event starts at 4pm this Saturday at the karting centre in Watergrasshill. Admission is free, with donations greatly appreciated on the gate. Family entertainment will be provided on the night including sumo wrestling.

Dr Jason will also be carrying out demonstrations on health and safety as well as first aid to help educate people in order to try make them more aware of the dangers and how to aid someone involved in an accident.

If you cannot attend but wish to still donate they have set up a GoFundMe page at www.gofundme.com/battle-of-the-contractors-for-wcrr

For more information email botc2017@gmail.com or log on to their Facebook page.