A new smartphone app is helping save lives by providing step-by-step guidance in the critical moments following a serious on-farm accident.
Farm charity RABI has announced the launch of FarmersAid, a pioneering initiative that provides farmers with vital, real-time trauma guidance. It was released last month – helping to keep people safe on farm. The app offers instructions for treating the most common life-threatening injuries on farm – such as crush incidents, falls from height, and severe bleeding – enabling users to act fast and effectively before emergency services reach the scene.
RABI chief executive Alicia Chivers said: “Too many farming families are devastated by what are often preventable tragedies, with lives being lost due to a lack of understanding on how to administer immediate critical care at the scene.”
Avoiding injury
Farming is the UK’s most dangerous industry. Agriculture accounts for around 20% of all workplace deaths – but employs just 1% of the workforce. More than 30 people die on British farms annually, with thousands more facing serious injuries.
“FarmersAid complements the exceptional work of our colleagues at the Farm Safety Foundation, whose award-winning campaigns and education programme promotes safer attitudes across farming,” said Ms Chivers. “Unfortunately, serious accidents do still sadly occur and we believe FarmersAid will be a powerful, practical tool that could make the difference between life and death.”
The FarmersAid app is designed to address the crucial Platinum Ten Minutes – a 10-minute window where fast action from bystanders can dramatically improve survival and recovery outcomes.
‘Absolutely critical’
“Emergency services often face delays reaching rural farms. This means the first few minutes are absolutely critical,” said Professor Maitland-Knibb, a Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) consultant. “That’s where FarmersAid can help. It has the power to save countless lives in our farming communities.”
Beyond the digital app, FarmersAid also includes plans for on-farm critical care kits, training pilots, wellbeing referrals and educational outreach programmes throughout the agricultural sector.
The app launch is being accompanied by a nationwide roadshow and communications campaign throughout 2026, supported by giveaways, printed materials and targeted outreach at farming events.