How to save a beast…

I recently came across an article in the Australian Emergency Management Knowledge Hub.

It caught my eye.

Whilst working for DFES, one of the most popular media stories was regarding a pony that got stuck down a large hole.

Often the fire brigade is called when farmers are unsuccessfully able to assist a pet or livestock.

What many people (myself included) have little knowledge of is that there are emergency service professionals available across Australia who offer skilled and trained rescues to assist in saving livestock.

Whilst common in countries, such as America, Italy and England, it is a growing specialist field in Australia. Referred to as Technical Large Animal Emergency Rescue (TLAER), TLAER initiatives are in development/ underway throughout Australia, with Fire Rescue NSW leading the way in development and education.

Anthony “Hatchy” Hatch, Senior Instructor Country for Fire Rescue NSW began in this field by chance. Thanks to a horse, a tree and a hoof, he applied in 2008 for a Winston Churchill Fellowship, travelling overseas to learn specialist skills in TLAER.

Since completing the fellowship he has travelled, trained and lectured in TLAER throughout Australia, accompanied by Bruce, a life size mannequin horse used as part of the training.

The course is designed to be delivered in three parts.

• AR1 introductory course looks at how to make a scene safe

• AR2 course participants are trained in how to handle animals in ditches, mud and awkward situations. Participants also learn how to use equipment such as harnesses, straps and slings.

• The AR3 course is the instructors’ course, where I train others in TLAER training.