Must-Have Equipment
University researchers have developed new gear specifically for horse-rescue missions. The growing number of large-animal rescue and response teams has demanded specialized gear. Of course, standard ropes, leads, halters, and durable hooks are always handy. However, emergency technicians find high-tech gear is often necessary to pull a horse safely up and out of a ravine or other trail setting.
John and Deb Fox of the Large Animal Rescue Company in Felton, California, train rescuers to help during large animal accidents. The Foxes recommend that rescue teams purchase a University of California-Davis Large Animal Lift and an Anderson Sling.
UC-Davis' new LAL is an affordable lifting tool similar to the familiar Anderson Sling - a widely used lift to support horses during airlifts or for long periods of rehabilitation. "The LAL is easily applied to a horse already lying down; it's lightweight and it's portable for remote rescues," John said. "It's ideal for trail rescue involving quick, low lifts."
When rescue centers are just starting out, the couple recommends they stock up on basics, then add the higher cost lifts and slings as budgets allow. Keep in mind you should be trained to use all gear before helping with rescues (see "Get Trail-Rescue Trained" on page 64).
For a starter's kit, outfit your rescue team with Collins Large Animal Rescue Straps, a rugged J-shaped hook to apply the straps from a safe position, a Rescue Glide, and various lengths of soft cotton rope or polyester web. Other options include a Liftex Large Animal Sling and the Large Animal Simple Vertical Lift developed by the Drs. Tomas and Rebecca Gimenez of Technical Large Animal Emergency Rescue.
"Versatility is a key," John said. "Rescuers should consider equipment that's multi-use, such as the Rescue Glide, which can be used for packaging and transport or as a shield to prevent further injury to an animal upon extrication. Also think about gear you can easily transport. In a trail situation, portability is a must. During trail rescues, we've had to haul all our equipment to the scene by hand - packing in backpacks."
In addition to the packable gear, your rescue team will probably need access to heavy equipment, such as cranes and trucks. Know in advance where you can secure this equipment, should you need it for a specific rescue.
- Heidi Nyland
Fire Department Captain Greg Malloy developed techniques for adapting rope systems for off-road rescues, as well as techniques for positioning rolled trailers for safe extrication. Helicopters are used to lift horses out of remote areas, and slings are used in conjunction with rope systems for short, low lifts.
"Standard engine equipment can be adapted to mitigate 90 percent of all rescues," John explained.
Deb would like the United States to have a standardized educated response for LAR. There are small groups of rescuers that can be effective, she said, "but they need to know how to work effectively with agencies that have jurisdiction. In training, the critical need is for people to know how to stay safe on the scene and not pose a danger to others through inappropriate actions."
For instance, John warns that a rear gate or trailer ramp that has coiled springs should be opened cautiously with a heavy restraint system in place. "With the trailer in the rolled position, the coils can overload and explode with enough force to kill a bystander."
Due to the complexity of these technical rescues, Deb recommends that people wishing to learn LAR first take a class from a professionally recognized group.
