Least Resistance Training Concepts (LRTC) Volunteers Training for Emergencies

LRTC Technical Large Animal Rescue Team Technical Information Water Rescue Practices Part Two Using a winch cable to create an anchor point for a vector extrication. This sheet is a continuation from Part One in which the context of the information being provided and safety issues are discussed. Note: These suggested procedures are not intended to be applicable for swift water incidents.   Extrication Options It is not appropriate to attempt to extricate a horse from water using its head or neck, although a line could be attached to a horse's halter to help guide the horse or keep an exhausted horse's nose above water. With a horse that is flailing in a circle in shallow water, a line such as a lariat attached to whatever part of the animal that may be safe to approach can be effective in stopping the animal's pinwheel motion. However, proper equipment must be used in accordance with established procedures before forcibly hauling a horse out of mud or water. RECOVERY STRAPS / FORWARD ASSIST A forward assist can be employed using a 30-foot recovery strap. To be used safely and reliably, the strap must be passed over the back of the horse and between the horse's front legs. Correctly and safely applying the recovery strap without risking getting struck by flailing hooves will likely require use of either a rigid or flexible strap guide. Managing the head with a line while extricating with a recovery strap. A better view of the recovery strap. (This horse was back on her feet a few minutes after this image was taken.) Managing the head and employing a recovery strap during a lake rescue. Reaching shallow enough water that the horse can get sternally on his own. Utilizing two recovery straps and machinery that happened to be available. BECKER WATER RESCUE HARNESS In deeper water, a safer and more effective extrication resource is the Becker Water Harness. Responders should train in applying the harness prior to attempting any actual water rescues, however it provides additional buoyancy for the horse, helps keep the horse in an upright position (and flailing legs away from human rescuers,) and provides for a more secure and functional attachment for the haul line. We have found the Becker Water Rescue Harness to have two functional configurations. When "swimming" a horse out during an event such as a wide area flood, the harness can be configured to provide additional buoyancy as illustrated below. Conventional configuration for moving a horse across deep water using a halter lead. What we have found most effective for extrications where we need to "haul" the horse out of the water. The harness is reconfigured so that the chest float is under the horse and the girth strap is placed at the chest, providing much safer access for attaching a haul line to a ring on the harness. (Note: A modification is coming out with an appropriate haul line attachment for the throat float so the harness can be applied as originally designed.) Reconfigured so that the haul line is attached at the horse's chest. Note: When adapting the Becker Water Rescue Harness for use as a hauling device, we do not recommend using power winches or greater than 3:1 pulley systems. While it has performed well in extrication scenarios and is often safer to apply in the water than a recovery strap, it is designed as a flotation device, not a heavy haul device. While it is well constructed, we need to operate within its design limits. In training we have also adapted the water rescue harness to keep the mannequin's nose above water as the team cached out rescue gear and set up for an extrication operation. Continue to Part Three Return to Part One For more information about the Becker Water Rescue Harness, please visit Häst Large Animal Rescue Equipment 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