Least Resistance Training Concepts (LRTC) Volunteers Training for Emergencies

Large Animal Evac and Technical Rescue Information Sheet   Extricating a Large Animal from Newer Style Precast Concrete Cattle Guards Part Two Please note: This feature is a continuation of Part One for which the context of this discussion is explained.   Extrication Considerations Please note that since we have not been able to identify any published best practices, and since the new cattle guard designs can differ somewhat between manufacturers and product styles, this Information Sheet is solely intended to describe general issues that should be considered. 1. Keep the scene calm and organized. Extrications can require a lot of people and equipment. A disorganized and noisy scene can further stress the animal. A reactive animal trapped in a cattle guard, or any other confined space, is a danger to itself and to rescuers.

Someone with relevant technical experience must be in charge. There can only be one boss. Appoint someone with relevant experience as Safety Officer to maintain scene safety. People not directly involved in hands-on activities need to be kept away. A needs assessment should be made and the necessary resources ordered.

Rescuers may be under pressure to take immediate action. These incidents are very similar to Haz-Mat incidents. Don appropriate personal protective equipment. Take the time it takes to evaluate, consider, decide, and then act.

2. Consider the animal's immediate needs.

Does the animal need water? Dehydration can be serious. Is the animal hypothermic or hyperthermic? Should body temperature mitigation be employed? Would some hay or grass be beneficial in keeping the animal calm?

Is the animal a candidate for sedation? Does the animal need IV fluids? Is a veterinarian available?

3. Evaluate the cattle guard's design.

What structural elements could complicate extrication? Can the animal be vertically lifted? Will the animal have to be rolled / shifted and legs manually extricated? Are there practical anchor points to which pulley systems can be attached?

4. Create a safe work space. Cattle guard grates can be treacherous to both animals and human rescuers. The work involves operations close to the animal. A rescuer dropping a foot through the grate when he/she needs to move quickly can produce serious injuries.

Utilize slip sheets or suitable plywood for ground padding. Backboards can be tied to grates to support rescuers. Put tag lines on rescuers operating in vulnerable positions. Coordinate and communicate to the entire team all actions and movements.

5. Plan your work and work your plan.

Avoid knee-jerk reactions. Develop an extrication plan. Brief all personnel before starting. Stick to your plan so long as you are achieving results. Plans may have to be altered if the resources you need do not arrive or circumstances warrant a new approach. Everyone involved must advised of any changes before they are implemented.

6. Plan for what happens "after."

Horses tend to just get up and walk away after rescue. Is some confinement warranted? Is a barrier needed between the animal and traffic? If the animal is unsteady, how best can it be prevented from falling back into the entrapment?

The concepts presented here do not cover all potential issues. Everyone at the scene should follow all standard safety protocols. Continue to Actual Case Studies (Sample Incidents) Return to Part One Return to Information Sheets and Resource Guides Return to Sample Incident Responses Return to LRTC TLAR / EVAC Page The training information presented in these information sheets and guides is offered for illustrative and volunteer refresher purposes only. It is not a substitute for actual hands-on training. Press Back to return to the page which brought you here Return to LRTC Wild Horse Mentors Return to KBR Training Page Go To KBR Horse Net