A Close Call with Anhydrous Ammonia

It was a typical day at work for Chad Wood at the Farmers Co-Op in Shell Rock until a standard maintenance task took a dangerous turn and anhydrous ammonia, a hazardous chemical used in farming, started to leak. Before Chad could react, he had already inhaled the gas.

Chad grew hoarse, started coughing and his face turned red. His symptoms escalated rapidly and soon he was struggling to breathe.

When he arrived at Waverly Health Center’s (WHC) Emergency Department, the situation quickly turned critical. The hazmat team was activated to protect patients and staff while our emergency team jumped into action.

Dr. Jens Olson and the ED staff responded with urgency and compassion. As Chad’s airway continued to swell and his ability to breathe deteriorated, the team made the decision to intubate him.

Chad was placed in a medically induced coma for 36 hours and transferred to Waterloo while his lungs and throat recovered. 

Back at WHC, our nurses continued to support Chad’s wife, Julie. They brought her chocolate, kept her company and made sure she felt cared for in every way. “They didn’t just treat Chad like a patient, they treated both of us like family,” she said.

Anhydrous ammonia accidents are a very real danger in Iowa’s farming communities. Common during planting and fertilizing seasons, exposure to the chemical can be life-threatening if not treated immediately. Chad’s case is a powerful reminder of the risks farmers face daily and the importance of quick, informed care.

Thanks to the expert response from the WHC emergency team, Chad made a full recovery. He is deeply grateful for the support he received from beginning to end.

At WHC, we’re proud to be part of a health care community that supports our neighbors through every emergency because in a town like ours, that’s what you do.