Several success stories highlight the need for this training
By: Jackie Bellamy-Zions
Anyone who has taken a human first aid course has received a notice that they are due for a refresher. After taking an initial large animal rescue course with Equine Guelph, the City of Hamilton Mounted Police have been proactive in enrolling their officers in a one-day hands-on retraining at Equine Guelph which took place January 9, 2020 at the University of Guelph, Guelph Ontario, Canada.
Valuable lessons were reviewed and enhanced covering the overall approach to instances involving best practices for large animal rescue and manipulation techniques such as forward and rear assists, sideways drags, and how to work safely in confined spaces. A brush up on knot and rope tying as well as emergency halters ensured participants were still in the loop.
A mystery scenario was set up in the barn for the Hamilton police to sleuth and then come up with an appropriate plan of action utilizing the skills of the team. Also refreshed were skills for taking vitals and performing a horse health check, along with understanding the risks of colic.
A big thank you goes to Dwayne Job at System Equine for lending a stock trailer for an activity involving a trailer rescue scenario. “Proper use of specialized equipment and positioning of webbing around the body of the animal is so important to the positive outcome of lifting or dragging a large animal to safety,” says lead instructor Victor MacPherson. “The crew today is to be commended for their diligence in practicing and honing their skills.”
Over 450 people have attended similar training events including firefighters, first responders, pre-service, law enforcement, animal control officers, veterinarians, veterinary technicians, emergency animal response teams, horse owners, livestock producers and associations.
“Several success stories highlight the need for this important training,” says Equine Guelph director, Gayle Ecker. The most recent one was this past summer in Fort Erie when a horse fell into a sinkhole and was rescued with the assistance of racetrack personnel and first responders who had taken the Equine Guelph large animal rescue training. Twelve days after the successful rescue that horse won his race!
All large animal incidents regardless of cause or scope, present a risk of injury to responders. The way to improve the odds of a favorable and safe outcome for both animals and responders is through proper training of best practices and how to use rescue equipment. Equine Guelph’s program was implemented in 2014 and has continued to grow to expand its offerings to a varied group. If you are interested in helping to build this program or would like to discuss offering this program in your area or to your members, please contact Equine Guelph. It can be offered on a cost-recovery basis, or through sponsorship, to communities/individuals who would like to expand the reach of this training program.
Equine Guelph thanks the supporters, facilitators, and participants of these important large animal emergency rescue workshops.
For more information or to bring a course to your location visit TheHorsePortal.ca. Contact Dr. Susan Raymond at slraymon@uoguelph.ca.
