Farm Safety - A Family Priority: The Implementation of a Collaborative Approach to Primary Health Care in a Rural Setting

Abstract

Farm Safety - A Family Priority' was a collaborative, integrated primary health care promotion conducted during Rural Health Week, starting 27th May 1999 in the rural town of Elmore, Victoria. Five primary schools in surrounding districts were invited to participate: Goornong, Colbinabbin, Drummartin, Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, Elmore, and Elmore Primary School. Involving 113 children and five teachers, issues concerning safety on the farm included riding on tractors, horses and agriculture bikes, the safe use and storage of chemicals, safe places to play, the importance of displaying emergency telephone numbers, and a demonstration on Expired Air Resuscitation. By using a demonstration and an interactive teaching method it was envisaged that student participation would be encouraged and learning through practical application reinforced. Further, students were provided with ample time to ask questions of the demonstrators regarding any displays and activities. At the conclusion of the day a questionnaire was distributed to all children while teachers' perceptions were recorded by interview. Children took away some clear messages about farm safety, and the coordination and content of the activities impressed teachers. The activity clearly demonstrated the need for more integrated, collaborative approaches in promoting primary health care in rural settings, that are relevant to the community concerned in order to create a sustainable healthy community.