Author Archives: Neil
Emergency Preparedness Day at Burghley
Burghley Horse Trials are world renowned and with this level of preparedness it is no surprise that their veterinary, medical and incident response team are training for all eventualities. BARTA supported a day of joint training, where medics, vets and course responders learned more about each other’s roles and priorities, in order to work seamlessly together when required. BARTA provided awareness of techniques that course builders will utilise, to deal with recumbent horses as part of their developing role in supporting the management of unwanted incidents involving people and animals. We discussed safe working practices, informed decision making and options available to stabilise and manage an incident. Scenarios were then played out with each responder explaining their role and the actions necessary to bring the situation to a safe conclusion. BARTA’s Jim Green said, “Managing any eventing incident requires clear … Continue reading →
Collaborative Training
The Defence Animal Training Regiment (DATR), BARTA and Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service (LFRS) have held a joint training day looking at large animal response. Emergency responders face a variety of challenges during operational activity and their tactics always need to consider the presence of animals. The better prepared animal establishments and responders are ahead of a problem, the more effective they will both be if an emergency occurs. UK national guidance for the fire and rescue service prompts fire authorities to gather information about animal establishments, in order for responders to understand the complexities and hazards associated with an unwanted event at the location. The DATR delivers animal handling training for more than 400 personnel and role specific training for hundreds of Military Working Animals per year. The unit is a joint service establishment with serving personnel from several … Continue reading →
Milestone for BARTA – UK’s first Large Animal Rescue Instructor Course
UK wide standardisation of large animal rescue training for fire and rescue services took a step closer this month as the first BARTA Accredited Instructors course was delivered to firefighters from South Wales, Cheshire, Buckinghamshire, Derbyshire and Hertfordshire. BARTA’s Jim Green reflected on the achievement, “In 2008 fire and rescue services began collaborating to develop standard training and protocols for large animal rescue. Since then almost all UK fire authorities have adopted large animal rescue response models. Operational learning has taught us that incidents involving animals is a broader subject area and impacts many more responder groups than just firefighters. BARTA was established to provide coordination for this expanding initiative together with partners and stakeholders from the rescue, veterinary and welfare communities. Through collaboration we have further developed policy, training and guidance, building on those early training offerings and aligning … Continue reading →
DVSA urges motorists to get trailer trained
DVSA is encouraging people to get trailer training from an accredited provider after a survey found over half have received no training, despite nearly 80% of respondents having been towing for over 6 years. DVSA surveyed more than 1000 drivers on their experience of towing and found over 60% are hitting the roads without any formal training, despite many towing caravans with their family onboard. Although confidence to tow was highly reported amongst those surveyed, there is no substitute for learning the right skills and knowledge with a trained professional. The accredited trailer training scheme, which launched in May 2022, provides drivers with a good understanding of how to tow safely in different conditions, no matter what they choose to tow. It also shows motorists how to correctly carry out safety checks on their vehicle and trailer or caravan before … Continue reading →
BARTA Small Animal Trauma Guidelines Highly Commended by RCVS
The RCVS Knowledge Awards for Quality Improvement showcase the implementation of Quality Improvement techniques which drive improvement within the profession. The fifth RCVS Knowledge Awards focusing on QI were awarded in 2023. BARTA were recognised under the Highly Commended, Ones to Watch criteria, citing the provision of evidence-based guidelines and training for emergency first responders to provide pre-veterinary immediate care and developing a handover checklist to use when handing over to veterinary professionals. BARTA Director Jim Green thanks all of the contributors to this essential work. “Emergency responders frequently encounter animals in the course of their operational duties, many of whom, like their owners, are suffering trauma and distress. BARTA are working on a suite of materials to support emergency responders in providing lifesaving pre veterinary care to animals caught up in emergency or disaster. The first stage was to … Continue reading →
Team Leader Training with Fire Scotland
12 Firefighters, selected from across Scotland headed to Glasgow Vet School to attend a BARTA 4 day Large Animal Rescue Responder Team Leader course. BARTA have partnered with the University of Glasgow and Fire Scotland to support the delivery of animal rescue response across the country. This course builds on previous knowledge and skills in large animal rescue techniques through delivering an understanding of the components required to lead a team and develop a tactical plan in conjunction with the Incident Commander and veterinary specialists on scene. Over the 4 days subjects included situational awareness of large animals and the context of their behaviour and environments, legislation that must be considered in the management of an animal incident, capabilities of veterinarians and the essential control measures they can provide to make the situation safer for both the animal and rescuer. … Continue reading →
Moving forward collaboratively…
This week, BARTA brought together a variety of agencies and experts who deal with incidents involving animals, whether single animal focussed or wide scale community events affecting multiple people and animals. Jim Green, BARTA Director of Operations said, “This is the first time we have had such a diverse range of agencies discussing their organisational response to animal incidents. Understanding their priorities and exploring how we can support each other collaboratively will directly benefit people and animals. There are clear concerns that the animal component of human emergencies and animal specific issues will develop in response to emerging climate driven emergencies and we are right to be having conversations now about preparedness and resilience. BARTA are committed to encouraging and facilitating debate and seeking practical, evidence based solutions for our responders. I’d like to thank all the agencies who attended … Continue reading →
ESS 2022 Thank You!
We’ve just returned from a tremendous two days with our BARTA family exhibiting at Emergency Services Show at the NEC, Birmingham. Supported by Tony Ward at Requip and joined by all those in our BARTA family to promote what we all do, we would just like to say a huge thank to our team and all those visitors to the show for taking the time to speak to us on our stand. We’re really looking forward to developing the connections that we made and we hope to see you all again soon!
Spotlight on our People – Nicola Housby-Skeggs
Many of you will have met Nicky, when you have attended our courses. Nicky also led the collaboration between veterinary experts to produce the veterinary prompt. As our chairperson she oversees the strategy, governance and key financial decisions of BARTA. Nicky is running for election to the BEVA council, if you are eligible we know she would appreciate your vote! Here is a link to her: BEVA statement What inspired you to get involved with BARTA? I started my career in the Royal Army Veterinary Corps and the veterinary responder course was considered essential learning prior to starting any equine veterinary job. There are few courses that genuinely shift your understanding and approach to cases or situations; however, the veterinary responder course did this for me and has fundamentally influenced how I have approached emergencies throughout my career. The Army … Continue reading →
New Animal Emergency Incident Management Network
A strategic focus for animal emergency incident management in Australia and New Zealand is the primary aim for a new organisation, the Animal Emergency Incident Management Network (AEIMN ANZ) Professor Josh Slater, BARTA Director and Chair of the new group, said “this will advance all aspects of incident management involving animals, including research, policy, education, planning, safety, and practices to improve animal welfare outcomes” David King, ESM, the Vice-Chair, said, “The organisation brings together veterinarians, emergency responders and policymakers to develop and promote safer practices at incidents involving domestic animals.” ‘It is a unique opportunity for responders to incidents involving domestic animals to share experiences and to learn from each other”. Guidelines for Large Animal Rescue Operations are now published through AFAC, the equivalent of our National Fire Chiefs Council. This guideline details operational practices that member agencies should consider … Continue reading →
