Conover Fire and Rescue hosts large animal emergency rescue training

Conover Fire and Rescue recently sponsored a Large Animal Emergency Rescue (LAER) course attended by approximately 60 participants.

According to the fire department, LAER incidents do not commonly occur, but they are high risk when they do. A large animal in distress or pain can pose hazards for the human responders and the animal victim.

“We have an active equestrian trail system and facilities in Conover and Vilas County, and many horse owners,” said Conover Fire Chief Robert Martinson. “We need to prepare for the day when something happens.”

In this area, animals have gone through the ice while some have become stuck in swamps and wetlands.

Over the two-day course, area fire departments, first responders, and animal owners were trained on the knowledge and skills to manage a LAER incident successfully.

The training included evaluating the situation, “reading” the behavior of trapped or injured animals, and mitigating the scene to reduce the risk of injury to themselves or the animal victims.

Hands-on skills included catching a loose horse with an emergency halter, wrapping a horse’s legs to prevent injury, blindfolding a horse, properly attaching slings and drags, and doing a leg hold.

Discussions included who to call for veterinarians, specialty apparatuses, and large equipment that can respond to highway trailer accidents.

As part of the course, Conover Fire and Rescue now has a basic rescue kit including tools rated to assist animals weighing over a ton.

While the course focused on equines, the rescue techniques can be used on any large animal in distress, including cattle or deer.

“We are committed to maintaining this skill set, and we will be looking to expand on this training and obtain more equipment as funding allows,” said Martinson.

Vicki Schmidt, a horse trainer and Maine state fire instructor, taught the program.

White Birch Grove Farm in Conover hosted the hands-on practical application sessions.
First responders from Conover, Land O’ Lakes, Hiles, and Cushing attended the training.