Farm Trauma or Farm Drama? A Novel Approach to Farm Emergency Response Training.

OBJECTIVES: Knowledge of farm hazards is often gained through the retelling of fatal injuries and near-miss events, creating "Aha! Moments," or instances of conceptual clarity in which individuals recognize the error in a risky behavior. Unfortunately, this recognition is frequently followed by what farm populations may refer to as the "Oh, ****!" moment, when insight develops only after a severe or fatal injury has already occurred. This study examined immersive simulation using special effects (SFX) techniques and amputee role-players to simulate traumatic farm injuries, assess changes in knowledge of roadway safety and farm equipment hazards, and inform guidance for farm safety instructors.

METHODS: A convergent mixed-methods pilot study was conducted in rural eastern North Carolina. Participants (n = 62 pre; n = 50 post) completed anonymous pre- and post-intervention surveys to assess knowledge related to farm equipment and roadway hazards. The intervention included two immersive simulations: (1) power take-off (PTO) entanglement and (2) farm vehicle-motor vehicle roadway collision. Post-intervention focus groups explored participant experiences.

RESULTS: Moderate knowledge gains were observed following the intervention. Participants reported high realism and emotional engagement. Inconsistencies, safety protocols, and role-player overfamiliarity reduced immersion.

CONCLUSION: Immersive theater techniques may enhance realism and emotional engagement related to simulated learning and farm emergency response education. When implemented with high-fidelity, cohesive design, immersive simulation may enhance awareness of hazards, potentially shifting learning from post injury "Oh, ****!" moments to earlier "Aha!" moments.