BARTA Working Groups Gather…

This month specialists from the veterinary and emergency services came together once again to agree best practice solutions to issues surrounding incidents involving animals.

The large animal group focussed on lifting animals for rescue or medical suspension. 

The type and availability of suitable lifting devices varies within rescue organisations and sometimes the most suitable solution may not come from within the organisation.

Clear understanding of the problem is required, to make the right choices.

Current practices were evaluated in order to support judgements for selection of device or method, based on informed situational awareness and the casualty centred rescue.

Additionally, areas for development were identified and discussions had with equipment manufacturers around improvements that would promote safety or patient care.

Next steps will be to create visual resources to help Team Leaders with training and decision making.

National Operational Guidance for the UK Fire and Rescue Service recommends that where possible, emergency responders provide first aid for animals, in the absence of a veterinary professional.

BARTA are working with veterinary critical care experts and members of the National Fire Chiefs Council Animal Rescue Forum to establish the content of training, role specific guidance and best practice solutions to support animals suffering trauma.

First steps was the creation of a training package to support delivery of oxygen to companion animals, following rollout of pet oxygen masks to a large number of fire and rescue services.

The small animal working group are now developing initial actions for a range of trauma events and more in depth information for veterinarians who in practice may be brought animals from situations involving a collision, entrapment, fire or near drowning and who might not have the experience or facilities of a trauma centre.

Thank you to our stakeholders for supporting these key workstreams.