Enhancing Skills in Large Animal Rescue: An International Collaboration

Members of Arthurs Creek Fire Brigade participating large animal rescue training

 

Arthurs Creek Fire Brigade hosted an intensive training session on large animal rescue.

 

Led by Anton Phillips, a renowned expert formerly of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service in the UK, its aim was to enhance the skills and safety awareness of first responders and the wider community.

Phillips has an extensive background in animal rescue and was able to bring a wealth of knowledge to the session.

"I was an animal rescue specialist for many, many years, and I'm now over in Australia to show them the finer aspects of technical large animal rescue," he explained.

"Initially, we've gone through a safety presentation, and then we're going to go through a range of scenarios; anything from float extrication to basic skidding techniques, and how to support an animal in a medical suspension harness."

Arthurs Creek Captain Warren Rees said the brigade had been proactive in the field of large animal rescue.

"Arthurs Creek set up a large animal rescue unit about 10 years ago and in that time, we've done well over 100 rescues," Warren said.

"To train with someone like Anton is a great advantage because it adds to our skills."

While the training included the technical aspects of using specialised rescue equipment, the core focus was safety, particularly that of first responders.

"The main thing with large animal rescue is we are protecting people, not the animals as much," Rees explained.

"The reason being that animals are always going to get into trouble, and people are going to try and assist them.

"Without the training and equipment, it's a very, very dangerous thing to do. And that's probably our biggest emphasis."



 

Submitted by	Alison Smirnoff