Large Animal Rescue Workshop (Awareness Level: Hands on) – 1 Day

1 Day

INTERESTED IN HOSTING A COURSE? Please contact Susan Raymond ([email protected])

For more information about the course, including any future dates, please contact Susan Raymond. This course is intended for first responders, pre-service, law enforcement, animal control officers, veterinarians, vet. technicians, emergency animal response teams, horse owners, livestock producers and associations (note: participants must be minimum of 18 yrs of age).

Required Equipment:

  • PPE: green patch safety footwear, gloves, safety glasses (optional) and helmet
  • Workwear or coveralls are strongly advised
  • Re-fillable water bottle (recommended)

Note: hands-on portions of course will be outside, please be ready for all weather (extra clothes (you may get dirty!), cold weather gear, rain gear, insect repellent, sun screen, hat, water etc)

Equine Guelph Large Animal Emergency Rescue Course Description:  Awareness/Operational Training

In today’s society, responding to incidents involving animals is both an expectation and an acknowledgement that such incidents will likely involve people putting themselves and others at risk. All large animal incidents regardless of cause or scope, present a risk of injury to responders.  Through proper training of best practices and the use of specialized rescue equipment we significantly mitigate these risks and improve the odds of a favorable outcome for both animals and responders. By keeping responders safe, we improve our capacity to keep animals safe. The Awareness/Operational level course is designed to meet the specific needs of the host fire department.  The training team works closely with the host department and takes into account the host site, available heavy equipment and/or other specialized equipment in designing the training program. Our programs include an “In Class” component to introduce basic animal behaviour, animal handling techniques, animal restraint and confinement techniques, basic anatomy and a discussion on the roles of others at an animal incident i.e. owners, veterinarians, and the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA).  These sessions are dynamic and form the foundation for the practical components. Practical sessions are emphasized in the Awareness/Operational level course.

Demonstrations of large animal manipulation techniques such as forward and rear assists, sideways drags and cast horse rolls are taught always with a focus on safety for both humans and animals and the general welfare of the animal.  The application of these manipulations in a confined space and/or trench rescue scenario is also discussed.  Participants also take part in rotations addressing animal behaviour, approach, basic handling (emergency halters), restraint & leading animals, kick zones and blind zones. The ”In Class” and practical sessions are then put into practice in a rescue scenario that uses Rusti a 600 pound horse mannequin.  Scenarios are somewhat site specific and can include a horse and rider that have fallen in a ditch, creek or mud hole, an overturned trailer with a horse and foal inside, a horse caught in a well, etc.  Group sizes are kept to a manageable size to ensure that everyone gets to practice the manipulation techniques.  All exercises are conducted using the Incident Command system.  All manipulation techniques are grounded in best management practices. This Awareness/Operational level course is designed to ensure a comprehensive educational process by delivering on the qualities of Knowledge, Best Practice and Application.

What is the difference between Awareness and Operational Level? And can I take both?

The awareness level course is an introductory level course suitable for a broad audience (horse owners, livestock owners, vets, vet tech’s, first responders, etc.), is shorter in duration than the operational level and doesn’t cover the same level of depth.

The operational level course is suitable for first responders and covers the technical aspects of using equipment and interacting on scene in a safe way for people and animals. Depending on interest and experience can be a suitable course for non-first responders – either as a participant or as a spectator.

You can definitely take both courses. There will be some redundant material – but “repetition is retention” and will allow the participant to broaden their skills during the operational level course.

 

 

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CE Eligibility: Ontario Association of Veterinary Technicians – This course is eligible for 12.5 CE credits.

OAVT

For questions related to the course: Susan Raymond [email protected] ext 54230

For registration information, including payment by invoice: Matt Houlahan [email protected] ext 54205

Lead Instructor: 

Victor MacPherson became involved with the TLAER program in 2013, having completed several training seminars, and assisted in both training and facilitating courses with Equine Guelph and Dr. Rebecca Gimenez-Husted. During that time Victor was involved with several operational rescues with the fire department. Victor is also a facilitator for fire services response for Farm and Food Care Ontario.

Retired from the Adjala-Tosorontio Fire Department where he served for 25 years, 19 years as the District Fire Chief for Station 2.  Employed full time with the City of Vaughan Fire as a Master Emergency Vehicle Technician for 19 years, and currently Acting Chief Mechanical Officer.  Retired Master Corporal, having served in the Canadian Military attached to armoured units, having served with NATO in Europe.

Instructors:*

picture of Instructor and horseGayle Ecker is the Director of Equine Guelph and played an instrumental role in its birth. She has dedicated her energies to advancing the equine industry through education and communications. Gayle created the ‘pyramid of education’ model – an educational approach that provides learning pathways for career development at all levels (youth education > industry skills > Equine Science Certificate > higher education) in the equine industry. In collaboration with the Office of Open Learning, Gayle developed the Equine Science Certificate program an on-line program targeted to the equine industry. She also acts as an instructor in the program.

Katherine Hoffman has several years’ experience in animal health and welfare programs and policy development.   Working with animals is her passion.  She has competed successfully on a National level in various sport disciplines with her horses and dogs.

Katherine has been involved with Technical Large Animal Emergency Rescue since 2013.

 

Penny LawlisPenny Lawlis is CCSAW Associated faculty, and has over 34 years of experience developing animal welfare policy, delivering animal welfare programs and auditing animal welfare across the value chain including on-farm, during transport, at livestock auctions, slaughter plants, research facilities and dog pounds. Penny is a current member of the Dairy Farmers of Canada Animal Care Technical Committee and the Canadian Pork Council’s Technical Committee developing on-farm animal care programs and recently developed and delivered practical animal welfare assessment training. Penny is also a Certified PAACO auditor (red meat and poultry) and trainer and developed and delivered the first Canadian PAACO red meat training (2008) and routinely shadows auditors from across North America. She is currently working as an auditor and consultant for Professional Livestock Auditing Inc.

Riley McGilloway is a 3rd generation Career firefighter with the Halton Hills Fire Department. He became involved with TLAER in 2016 completing several training courses with Equine Guelph and Rebecca Gimenez-Husted. Since then Riley assisted in many large animal rescues, recovery’s and barn fires. He is currently lead LAR instructor for his department and has done many lectures Ontario wide on LAR, fire prevention and what to do incase of a barn fire.

 

Troy Moffatt grew up with horses and has been involved with the horse racing Industry since the 70’s. He has held many positions over the years such as groom, chief stall mucker, and has spent the last 19 years as an Investigator with the Regulatory Agency responsible for horse racing in Ontario.   Troy started his policing career in 1994. In 1999 Troy attended Texas A & M and was later certified as a Fire and Arson Investigator. He is currently a South West Oxford (SWOX) Fire Fighter and Fire Instructor. Troy has been involved with numerous Investigations over the years including barn fires that have resulted in large losses of horse lives and has been a guest speaker in both Canada and the USA regarding Investigations and Barn Fires.   In 2017 Troy attended both the Fire Prevention and Emergency Rescue Training for the horse racing industry as well as the Operations Level Large Animal Rescue Course for Fire Fighters offered by Equine Guelph.

Robert Nagle began his fire service career with Severn Fire and Emergency services in 2005 as a volunteer firefighter and was promoted to Deputy Fire Chief in January 2024. Robert was employed as a Training Officer with Central York Fire Services from 2016 to 2023. Robert became involved with Technical Large Animal Emergency Rescue training in September 2014 with attendance of course hosted by Equine Guelph and Adjala-Tosorontio Fire Department.

He has also been a horse owner since 2013.

 

Susan Raymond has been involved in the development and delivery, both online and in-person, of educational and skills training programs since 2003 (Equine Guelph). The focus of these programs is to improve welfare and safety of both animals and people on the farm during day to day activities and emergency situations.  Susan’s PhD research involved investigating the effects of exposure of horses to mycotoxins, as well as, examining stable design and management as they affect air quality. Susan has completed Technical Large Animal Emergency Rescue Operations, Rescue Ropes/Rigging courses and Animal Technical Rescue Awareness Level Course (University of Florida). Susan has also completed Colorado State University – Equine Investigations Academy Level 1.

Beverley Sheremeto is a volunteer firefighter with Severn Fire and Emergency Services since 2012.  Bev became involved with Technical Large Animal Emergency Rescue Training in September of 2014 by attending a course hosted by Equine Guelph and Adjala- Tosorontio Fire Dept.  Bev has been involved in the horse industry for 20 plus years.

 

 

Chris Watson lives in Loretto with his wife and new son born this July 2017.  Chris has been a Firefighter with Adjala-Tosorontio Fire Department since 2006 and has been involved with Technical Large Animal Emergency Rescue Training since 2013 when Adjala-Tosorontio Fire Department began its training program in this area.    

 

 

 

*Approximately 4 instructors per course offering (subject to change)

Large Animal Rescue Operational Level Course 

Photo by Toni MacPherson

LAR Class Picture by Stock Trailer

Cow rescue

Photo by Toni MacPherson

Fire extinguisher in use

Photo by Toni MacPherson

Below images by Susan Raymond, Equine Guelph

Reference Sheets

The reference sheets have been developed as a quick reference tool for the various manipulation techniques used in Large Animal Rescue. Their intended use are for those persons that have successfully completed a hands on workshop in Large Animal Rescue offered by Equine Guelph.

Backwards Drag

Cast Horse Roll

Equipment Summary

Forward Assist

Mud Rescue

Rescue Glide

Sideways Drag

Large Animal Rescue Training Videos (youtube playlist)

Background resources / Best Practices:

Equipment resources:

Large Animal Rescue Resource Company Equine Guelph thanks Large Animal Rescue Resource Company for the generous donation of an Equine Head Protector for use in our training program.

Equine Head Protector

Web resources:

Farm & Food Care – Ontario (Livestock Emergencies

BARTA – Rescue Techniques (pdf)

Emergency Management Ontario:

Alberta Farm Animal Care

TheHorse.com:

“The Large Animal Rescue Awareness Level Training workshop is a valuable experience for those who intend to work with horses or own horses. The hands-on learning with professionals and the “horsequinn”, Rusty, allowed our team to understand the value of hierarchy and working efficiently in an emergency situation. As a horse owner myself, the incredible teachers were a wealth of information and provided detailed answers. I appreciated my time learning from the firefighters about barn safety and being able to handle a mock fire extinguisher. The firefighters provided real-life examples of how to be efficient during an emergency situation. I would recommend this course to veterinarians, studying veterinarians, horse owners, firefighters, and those who intend to work with large animals.”

Alayna Hubick, Horse Owner (Randalayne Stables, Harley ON)
Participant – Large Animal Emergency Rescue Awareness Level Training, April 2023

“As an animal welfare inspector I found the content of this program extremely beneficial to me. The method of instruction, along with the safety aspects taught, will allow me to act in a safe and proficient manner should I experience a trapped animal in my professional career or as a private horse owner. I would support fully this program for anyone that spends time around horses or other farm animals. Well done Equine Guelph!! Can’t wait to attend the next workshop!!”

Nigel Blakeborough (Milton, ON)
Participant – Large Animal Emergency Rescue Awareness Level Training, April 2023

“This was an awesome course that all horse owners and professionals should consider taking. Vic and Susan provided great content and were able to create real-life scenarios for participants to practice with. I also liked how the course was relevant across professions (e.g., vets, police, fire, horse trainers, barn owners, etc.) Can’t recommend enough!”

P. Fleetwood, Horse Trainer (Carters Training Centre, St. Thomas ON)
Participant – Large Animal Emergency Rescue Awareness Level Training, April 2023

“This is an excellent course that all horse/farm owners should be aware of or take. As we progress in our knowledge, in the care of animals, it is almost certain they will live longer healthier lives.”

Sgt. Denise Leonard, Hamilton Mounted Police (Hamilton, ON)
Participant – Large Animal Emergency Rescue Awareness Level Training, April 2023

“An unexpected benefit from the course for me was the ability to work closely with first responders from other professions (other than my own) in a training environment. The opportunity to work so closely with these first responders was invaluable. Although Police, Fire, and EMS often work together in live scenarios, we rarely get the opportunity to train together. The Large Animal Rescue Course provided an excellent venue for all of us to train together and generated excellent discussion within the group. I cannot overstate the value of this education, as I came away from it feeling more prepared to deal with such emergencies, in partnership with all first responders.”

Participant, Large Animal Rescue Course, October 12-14, 2018, Meaford, ON

Thanks for the tweet, World Horse Racing @WHR and Jessica Buckley! @jbuckleyON

Watch the video about “Mr Changue’s” rescue! – World Horse Racing on Facebook

 

Course Instructors

Victor MacPherson Victor MacPherson Course Instructor

Victor MacPherson became involved with the TLAER program in 2013, having completed several training seminars, and assisted in both training and facilitating courses with Equine Guelph and Dr. Rebecca Gimenez-Husted. During that time Victor was involved with several operational rescues with the fire department. Victor is also a facilitator for fire services response for Farm and Food Care Ontario. Retired from the Adjala-Tosorontio Fire Department where he served for 25 years, 19 years as the District Fire Chief for Station 2. Employed full time with the City of Vaughan Fire as a Master Emergency Vehicle Technician for 19 years, and currently Acting Chief Mechanical Officer. Retired Master Corporal, having served in the Canadian Military attached to armoured units, having served with NATO in Europe.

Susan Raymond Susan Raymond Course Facilitator

Since 2003 (Equine Guelph), Susan has been involved in the development and delivery, both online and in-person, of educational and skills training programs. The focus of these programs is to improve welfare and safety of both animals and people on the farm during day to day activities and emergency situations. Susan’s PhD research involved investigating the effects of exposure of horses to mycotoxins, as well as, examining stable design and management as they affect air quality. Susan has completed Technical Large Animal Emergency Rescue Operations, Rescue Ropes/Rigging courses and Animal Technical Rescue Awareness Level Course (University of Florida). Susan has also completed Colorado State University – Equine Investigations Academy Level 1.

This course does not have any sections.