re: Rescue underway to save 2 men trapped inside Arkansas grain bin.

you'd likely die from suffocation.

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I think they mostly die from smothering, as once their head goes under, they inhale grain and smother. Unless they find a pocket of air somewhere below.

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Yeah, that would be my guess also. I was just giving a possible answer to the dying after getting out question.

What's amazing to me is that they didn't die quickly. I can't even imagine the position that they are in where they can be in communication with rescuers, but unable to get them out. Also the second guy probably went in to help a the first and ended up a casualty himself. Pretty basic response training at any site especially for guys not on emergency teams says call for help and secure area from a safe distance.

Is this a very serious threat if unloading is not occuring nor has recently occurred? I used to level grain bins all the time as a teenager. Looking back, I always thought the biggest risk I faced was dust inhalation as I didn't always wear a dust mask when shoveling grain around.

That is terrifying to think of

Do the lungs get full of grain dust? I reckon that would seriously impede your ability to breathe on its own.

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I used to level grain bins all the time as a teenager. Looking back, I always thought the biggest risk I faced was dust inhalation as I didn't always wear a dust mask when shoveling grain around.

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I hope these dudes end up ok. I'm kinda pissed now though. When I was in high school I worked at a grain elevator in Crowley. I had to level bins a few times and was never explained that could happen.

I was told to wear a mask and go fast. That damn mask didn't do anything and I had black boogers for a few days. I do remember it being 100 degrees outside, but when I came out from the bin it felt like 60

Wouldn't it be simple to walk around with a stick that has paddles on each end. If you fall, grab the stick and the paddles on each end keep you from going under. Like carrying a stick so you don't fall through the ice on a frozen over lake

Well I was carrying a big shovel. I assume if you're in there leveling that's what you have.

It seems from pictures though you are supposed to be tied on with a harness

There are several ways they can die....traumatic asphyxiation from the pressure against their chest or the more likely scenario the OP stated earlier...when your body is compressed, especially the entire body....the blood in your trapped/compressed limbs become acidic and basically toxic, your cardiovascular system compensates for the lower volume....when you RAPIDLY, remove someone from pressure, 2 things happen....heart rate goes WAY up in an attempt to compensate and your blood pressure goes way down (shock)....to top it off, now you are pumping toxic blood to all your organs that are already starving for oxygen....the fact that they started an IV on one is hope....supplemental O2+IV Lactated Ringers but most importantly removing pressure SLOWLY is the key....Does you no good to yank a guy out quickly, you only kill him quicker....same thing applies to having a dashboard wrapped around your torso in a wreck....sitting their talking, remove impingement and the you are worm food....you have to be methodical and preplan your moves...this rescue crew knows what they are doing....slow and safely...compensate fluids prior to making the move...a little preloaded bicarbonate might help too, but I been out the game a while, things may have changed a bit on how they treat them