Least Resistance Training Concepts
(LRTC)

Volunteers Training for Emergencies

  LRTC Emergency Response Team
INFORMATION SHEET

Using the Flexible Strap Guide

Updated March 6, 2019

This feature is a continuation of Part One

Horses and other livestock that need to have straps drawn under them to be repositioned can occasionally end up in tight places where it becomes difficult to get the straps drawn under without a rescuer venturing into the "kill zone" where sporadic leg movements could cause serious injury. Traditionally rescuers would attempt to "floss" straps under the animal or use a steel strap guide or J-hook.

The Flexible Strap Guide, a concept first conceived by North Lyon County Fire Fighters who improvised a guide by using the center strap of a break-away medical stretcher, provides strength, reach and control while providing flexibility. From that initial idea, Mike Connell and Jerry Floyd designed a purpose-built flexible guide that makes the concept broadly functional and safe to employ.

The images below are of a horse that went down next to a metal shelter wall. A steel guide would not have sufficient flexibility for these situations and the J-hooks would require the rescuer to work from a dangerous space within the strike zone of the animal's hooves. The Flexible Strap Guide was inserted from a safe distance, whereupon it naturally curved up when it met the shelter wall.

The guide tip appeared on the dorsal side of the horse without having to "dig" for it.
(This image was taken after the drag strap was attached to the strap guide.)

The tip of the guide could be pulled up to make attaching the strap easier.
Then it could be pushed back down so that the T-bar handle was well clear of the "kill zone."

When working from the dorsal side of the horse the Flexible Strap Guide was easier to use than the steel strap guide or J-hooks. A significant advantage was that the tip of the guide could be lifted up to attach the strap, avoiding the need for the rescuer working over the horse to have to lean into the kill zone to make the hookup.

Quick and easy hookup of the drag strap.

Drawing the strap under the horse with ease.

It is likely that on extremely rocky ground a steel strap guide or J-hook may be required, however it was pretty easy to slip the Flexible Strap Guide safely under the horse. In addition, when the plastic guide struck a point of the hip or shoulder, it was easy for the rescuer to sense the contact and adjust the direction of the strap guide.

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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.

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