SOUTH WALES FIRE AND RESCUE Service responds to, on average, over 40 large animal rescue incidents a year. During 2006, managers from the service’s Operational Development and Review Team attended a cross section of these incidents as part of their remit to proactively monitor operational activity and identify areas of strength and development. At a number of these incidents, the risks to all personnel, including their owners became evident. The subsequent de-briefs of these incidents identified the need that a review of the service’s policies, responses, equipment and training should be undertaken to ensure safe working practices are in place for both personnel and animals at incidents.
An initial review was conduced by the service’s tactical planners. This research focused primarily on the guidance contained in the Fire Service operations manual, Safe Working Near, On or In Water, chapter seven – ‘Large Animal Rescues’. It was evident that additional specialist skills and knowledge would be essential to aid the review. Therefore, a Large Animal Project Team was established. The project team consisted of tactical planners and four volunteers from operational stations who had significant experience in dealing with large animals. Valuable information was gained by the project team via collaboration with a number of fire and rescue services that were able to share ‘best practice’ and ‘notable practice’. These included Hampshire, Kent and East Sussex. Professional advice, guidance and knowledge was also sought from other organisations, such as the RSPCA, the British Horse Society and the British Equine Veterinary Association. This professional and expert advice provided the project team with a source of learning that proved invaluable in the development of this project. Following a three-month review, the project team presented a report to the service’s Corporate Continuity Board offering a number of options to enhance animal response capabilities across the service.
Statistical Information
Based on the project team’s report, approval was given to provide enhanced specialist training and equipment to crews at three stations. The stations identified are Bridgend, Malpas and Ebbw Vale. These locations were selected following the study of statistical information and the geographical spread of large animal incidents over a three-year period. Additionally, these stations are in good locations and are able to provide strategic coverage across the South Wales area. Personnel at these stations attended a three-day animal awareness/rescue module, which was designed by the project team and based around a similar course currently run by Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service. The first two days of the course were held at Usk Agricultural College where the crews receive instruction gaining a hands-on experience and familiarisation in the handling of a variety of large animals. Rescuers also gain experience, often for the first time, and enhanced awareness of an animal’s likely behaviour and reaction when subjected to trauma.The third day was delivered at South Wales Fire and Rescue Service Training and Development Centre. Here crews were trained by the centre’s instructors and members of the project team on safe and practical rescue techniques utilising the newly-acquired rescue and personal protective equipment.
A valuable addition to the training resources has been the purchase of Lucky – a full size rubber manikin horse from America. This manikin is used in the majority of training scenarios delivered at this training module. Members of the RSPCA and local veterinary practices attended the modules to observe and gain an understanding of the techniques and safety procedures the animal rescue crews will be implementing during incidents. All other stations will receive an animal awareness/rescue training pack for continuation training, which includes an Authorware CD. This pack outlines the positive actions they can undertake at the scene while awaiting the attendance of the dedicated large animal rescue crews.
The new protocols and training modules are in their infancy and will be continually developed. A specialist off road utility vehicle with the provision of lifting is being considered as part of this review process. It is anticipated that the training of personnel at the three large animals rescue stations will be completed by the end of June.
For further information contact Jayne Denman or Mike Carter at South Wales Fire and Rescue service
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