Nov 20, 2009 6:48 pm US/Eastern
First Responders Trained In How To Save Animals
BALTIMORE COUNTY, Md. (WJZ) ―
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First responders know a lot about saving people, but it's a lot trickier responding to a rescue involving large animals.
CBS
First responders know a lot about saving people, but it's a lot trickier responding to a rescue involving large animals.
Suzanne Collins reports on some special training in Baltimore County Friday.
You might recall the unforgettable video on
WJZ in 2005 when a herd of buffalo ran wild in Pikesville and emergency workers tried to corral them. Since then, the Baltimore County Fire Department has been getting special training in how to deal with a crisis involving large animals.
Friday, firefighters and horse rescue volunteers learned, for example, how to save a horse in an overturned trailer. They chased a llama on the loose and they learned a swimmer's vest can be used to protect an animal's head and eyes.
"The horse doesn't know when you call 911, the fire department is there to help. It's just strange people so that horse will try to save himself and hurt somebody," said animal rescue trainer Dr. Tomas Gimenez.
After getting a horse on the ground, first responders are taught how to wrap a sling around the animal's hindquarters without getting kicked, then slide it into an equine ambulance.
The most common reason for rescuing horses is when a horse trailer turns over in an accident on the highway but the county fire department says it's also rescued animals from burning barns and from swimming pools.
The instructor explains using treats is most helpful--the animals' state of mind is key.
"They're usually very panicked. It's not a normal situation for them. The ones we had were trapped, stuck in a ditch," said Lt. Kevin Nace. "Very panicked."
A vet who rescues horses injured at events like the Steeple Chase says it's better when a tranquilizer isn't used.
"We feed treats, soothing tones of voice, quiet, no yelling and screaming, no sirens, move quietly and slowly," said Dr. Rachel Westerlund.
With an unpredictable beast weighing 1,000 pounds, it's critical to know what to do.
The training will go on all weekend at the Goucher College stables.
(© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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