On average, South Wales Fire and Rescue Service responds to over forty ‘large animal rescue’ incidents a year.  During 2006, managers from the Service’s Operational Development and Review Team attended a selection of these incidents as part of their remit to monitor operational activity and identify areas of strength and development.

It was decided 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.

A Large Animal Project Team was established and 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 by working 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 sought from other organisations, such as the RSPCA, the British Horse Society and the British Equine Veterinary Association.  This professional and expert advice 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. 

Training

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 attend a three-day Animal Awareness/Rescue module, 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 are held at Coleg Gwent, Usk campus where the crews receive instruction and gain 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 is delivered at South Wales Fire and Rescue Service Training and Development Centre. Here crews are 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 attend 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 a training CD. This pack will outline the positive actions they can undertake at the scene while awaiting the attendance of the dedicated Large Animal rescue crews.