Animal Rescue Training – Level 2
Designed as a 4-day course, this allows attendees to work with large animals within a farm environment. This offers a crucial insight into real-life animal behaviour.
Animal Rescue Training Level 2
Our specialist Animal Rescue Training is for those who work with, or are likely to come in contact with, large animals. This includes emergency responders, livestock transporters, large animal vets and nurses, stable management and staff, racecourses, agricultural colleges and zoos. Our highly acclaimed animal rescue team members regularly carry out large and small animal rescues and have a strong international profile. They are widely regarded as experts in this field.
The team also provides training at veterinary universities throughout the country and run courses for equine owners, RSPCA Inspectors, plus UK and European fire and rescue services. Our trainers have designed and developed industry standards for rescue in collaboration with members of the CFOA Animal Rescue Practioners Forum in order to provide a robust, joined up approach to incidents involving animals. 3SFire are proud to provide the ongoing animal rescue training on behalf of Babcock to the London Fire Brigade.
Our training can be provided either at the HIWFRS Animal Rescue Centre at Lyndhurst Fire Station, in the New Forest, or at a location throughout the UK that is convenient for the trainees and one that has a local farm nearby.
Days 1 and 2 – Rescue Techniques
This 4-day course begins with AR2 Rescue Techniques on days one and two, and is held at Lyndhurst Fire Station in the New Forest. This part of the course aims to equip selected personnel with the skills and knowledge to work safely as members of an AR2 animal rescue team. Participants will learn to operate in the inner cordon and perform standard animal rescue techniques using veterinary-approved methods and equipment.
By the end of this section, students should be able to define the fire service role at animal incidents and explain the role of a large animal vet during rescues. They will describe the effects of sedation and anaesthesia and the safety implications of using chemical control. Additionally, students will demonstrate an understanding of the routes of administration for veterinary drugs and the associated operational considerations. They will also explain safer working areas around recumbent and standing large animals, describe how the senses of large animals may differ from humans and the operational implications at a rescue. They will identify potential human behavioural characteristics that may be encountered when animals are in stressful situations.
Furthermore, participants will list the golden rules of animal rescue, describe the practical application of the incident command system at various incidents involving large animals, and explain effective scene management at a large animal rescue. They will also articulate the roles of AR1, AR2, and AR3 personnel in supporting the resolution of an animal rescue. Additionally, they will explain why euthanasia must be considered as part of an effective operational plan and the importance of correct PPE, hygiene, and decontamination to prevent zoonotic infections. Lastly, they will demonstrate the ability to perform all CFOA-approved manual manipulation techniques and perform safe lifts using rescue slings, medical suspension harnesses, and hobbles.
Days 3 and 4 – Animal Handling
On days 3 and 4, the course will focus on AR2 Animal Handling at Sparsholt College in Winchester. This part of the course aims to equip selected personnel with the skills and knowledge to work safely as members of an AR2 animal rescue team, operating confidently in the inner cordon and handling large animals at rescues or incidents.
By the end of this section, students should have a basic understanding of the agricultural and equine livestock industry and recognise on-farm hazards and risks associated with equine and livestock. They will demonstrate an understanding of effective containment measures and what constitutes a safe refuge. Additionally, students will understand the threat to human safety from large animals and recognize the principles of safe working at incidents involving animal rescues. They will demonstrate an understanding of the natural behavioural characteristics of large animals in stressed situations and be able to select appropriate handling equipment and safe systems of work. Working as a team to achieve objectives, they will employ an effective communication strategy and demonstrate the ability to apply a webbing head collar and improvised halter to a mannequin horse or cow. Finally, students will show confidence in handling animals, understanding their limitations, and effectively assessing risks to determine an appropriate movement plan.
Upon successful completion of the course, delegates will receive a certificate for their records.
Cost: Please contact our team for a quote.
All our courses can be tailored to meet your needs. Please contact us for details and a bespoke quote.
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