General News
2 March, 2024
Farmer Ian relishes new lease on life
As the Wimmera gears up for one of the biggest events on the agricultural calendar next week, one farmer is especially thankful to be able to attend this year.
As the Wimmera gears up for one of the biggest events on the agricultural calendar next week, one farmer is especially thankful to be able to attend this year.
The 60th Wimmera Machinery Field Days, at Longerenong next Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, is shaping up to be a highlight of the year for thousands of farmers and farm enthusiasts alike.
However, eight months ago, Ian Penny came close to losing not merely the chance to enjoy the traditional ag showcase, but literally his life.
As the sun was setting on the Penny family’s Boolite property one afternoon last June, Ian and his son Travis were in the middle of servicing a tractor when Ian started experiencing excruciating chest pains.
Travis downed tools, helped his father into a ute, then headed off to Warracknabeal.
During the 27 kilometre journey, Travis phoned Dr Franklin Butuyutu’s surgery to warn him of their imminent arrival.
Travis said the surgery team: "I think Dad’s having a heart attack - do I come to you or do I go the hospital?"
Ian said the trip was very fast, and when they arrived Dr Franklin and his nurse Debbie George were waiting to receive him.
“Dr Franklin and Debbie were both fantastic,” Ian said.
“They got me to lie on the couch and gave me some adrenaline and aspirin, and a spray under the tongue, but I don’t remember a lot from there on.
“I can recall saying to Dr Franklin ‘I’m having trouble lifting my arms - I’ve got no strength in them’, and then I just died.
“I woke up with a sore chest because they had the paddles on me and Dr Franklin had given me a fair pounding to get me going again.”
The medical team discovered that one of Ian’s arteries was completely blocked.
“Luckily Travis was with me, otherwise I would never have got to Warracknabeal,” Ian said.
“I was told that only about seven per cent of people survive a heart attack after they’ve actually died.
“I consider myself very fortunate to have survived.
“Apparently with the number of defibrillators around now that figure is rising.”
Ian said in his opinion everyone should have an AED in their workplace, including farmers - and “especially if they’re in any risk category”.
His story will be shared with attendees at next week’s Wimmera Machinery Field Days, where Grampians Health chief strategy and regions officer Dr Rob Grenfell will outline his campaign to see every Wimmera farm property have its own heart-health emergency plan.
Across the three days, Dr Grenfell will be among hundreds of exhibitors speaking about, demonstrating and trading goods and services designed to optimise farming throughout the region and beyond.
* To learn more about Dr Grenfell’s work to boost heart health awareness in the agricultural community, turn to our Wimmera Machinery Field Days preview, included today as part of your February issue of Rural Scene.