Tag Archives: NFCC

Exotic Animal Emergency Response Workshop

Posted on 19/08/2026 by Neil

Monday 21st September 2026 at Chester Zoo We are holding an initial workshop with our partners at Chester Zoo, sponsored by Resquip Ltd. We will discuss and look at developing a new training offering for 2027. Utilising the skills of the zoo community and BARTA’s expertise in incidents involving animals, together with Resquip and their innovative approach to animal rescue equipment development, this one day event will help shape and design what we will deliver in the future. Aimed at veterinary professionals, keepers and custodians of large exotic animals who want to develop effective emergency response and rescue plans. The one day workshop will fulfil the following criteria: Incident planning and management – Roles and resources Large animal rescue and relocation techniques and tactics Practical techniques for the safe, efficient and respectfulloading of deceased or sedated animals using mannequins Species … Continue reading →

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New Forest wildfires highlight why animals must be included in emergency planning

Posted on 11/08/2026 by Neil

BARTA are concerned that prolonged high temperatures create conditions which place animals at extreme risk. Domestic, agricultural, equestrian and wildlife environments are more vulnerable because forests, heathland, fields, hedges and verges are tinder dry. This means that a fire approaching a property is hotter, faster and not slowed by traditionally green vegetation protecting its boundary. BARTA Director Jim Green said “Our thoughts are with emergency responders currently working in exceptionally difficult heat and terrain, as well as commoners, land managers and local communities affected by an incident started by a van fire on the A31 in the New Forest. We encourage emergency planners, landowners, veterinary providers, rural businesses, government and animal keepers to use this high profile incident as an opportunity to review their own emergency and evacuation arrangements. BARTA’s mission is to ensure animals are safeguarded along with people … Continue reading →

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Have you seen the JESIP Major Incident Film and Awareness Course?

Posted on 14/07/2026 by Neil

During an incident involving animals, emergency services will expect to supplement their skills with other specialists, such as veterinary professionals.  It is crucial that all responders can work seamlessly, through a structured approach with designated roles. JESIP provides the principles through which we can all work together and have a clear understanding of the incident needs and how we will work together to resolve it. This informative film demonstrates how these principles work.  Not just for the emergency services, all professionals attending should be aware of and follow these concepts. JESIP aims to ensure that the blue light services are trained and exercised to work together as effectively as possible at all levels of command in response to incidents so that as many lives as possible can be saved. This new 16-minute training video shows how the response to an … Continue reading →

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New BARTA Handbook Collaboration with the RCVS Fellows

Posted on 27/05/2026 by Neil

BARTA is delighted to present the latest edition of our Animal Responder Handbook. A comprehensive, waterproof glove box resource that serves as an aide-mémoire for emergency service team leaders and veterinary professionals deciding on techniques and tactics for large animal interventions. This version provides protocols for mechanical lifting and trailer righting. It also recognises that ambulatory large animal vets may encounter companion animals during an emergency. Fellows of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons have contributed their expertise to provide sedation and anaesthesia protocols for small animals, complementing existing protocols for cattle and horses. We are grateful for continuing collaboration across sectors to improve outcomes for people and animals in crisis. The 78 page Animal Responder Handbook is available for purchase . Scan the QR code or click on the link below for details on how to get your copy: … Continue reading →

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Animal Incident Awareness and Fire Safety Event

Posted on 30/03/2026 by Neil

Join us at the Cavelier Centre for a crucial Animal Incident Awareness and Fire Safety Day designed to equip the public with the knowledge and confidence to understand how emergency responders handle incidents involving animals. The event is being held at: Cavalier Centre, Bradley Farm Farley, Much Wenlock, TF13 6PE Whether you are a horse owner, a pet lover, or simply want to be prepared, this event is essential for anyone who may find themselves involved in an animal incident. Attendees will gain vital insight into what to do in the immediate aftermath of an event, what to expect from professional responders, and which agencies are key. The day will feature comprehensive, live demonstrations from the BARTA, Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service and the Resquip Team, who will walk you through their approach to incidents involving animals. You will learn … Continue reading →

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New MoU Between NFCC and BARTA

Posted on 20/01/2026 by Neil

NFCC and BARTA renew commitment to protecting animals in emergencies National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) and the British Animal Rescue and Trauma Care Association (BARTA) have renewed their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The partnership strengthens best practice in responding to incidents involving animals, supporting public safety, animal welfare, and safe working practices for firefighters through evidence-based guidance and training. The Animal Rescue Practitioners Forum (ARPF) will continue to provide a key platform for sharing knowledge and embedding animal welfare within emergency response planning. The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) has signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the British Animal Rescue and Trauma Care Association (BARTA), reaffirming their shared commitment to safeguarding animal welfare, public safety, and supporting safe practices for firefighters at incidents involving animals. The MoU builds on more than a decade of collaboration, first established in … Continue reading →

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British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) Congress 2025

Posted on 22/09/2025 by Neil

BARTA provided a skills workshop at the British Equine Veterinary Association annual Congress last week. BEVA has been instrumental in development of animal rescue protocols through their “Safer Horse Rescue” initiative, a collaborative effort with emergency services. This program has successfully established a comprehensive directory of equine veterinarians and an emergency fund to ensure vets are compensated for their crucial involvement in incidents involving non-client animals. The next critical phase of this initiative focuses on clearly defining the roles and responsibilities of veterinary professionals across various incident types and levels. A key aspect of this involves the integration of Registered Veterinary Nurses (RVNs) into vet-led teams. This strategic inclusion aims to enhance casualty-centered rescue operations and streamline the management of complex tactical elements during equine emergencies, especially amidst the competing priorities of multiple emergency responders. Multi animal incident scenarios were discussed … Continue reading →

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CPD for our Accredited Instructors

Posted on 22/09/2025 by Neil

Six fire services attended BARTA’s training centre at the Horse Trust in Buckinghamshire, as part of scheduled continual professional development for fire and rescue service large animal rescue instructors. During the session delegates discussed the challenges and tactics for dealing with Time Critical Incidents, where a person may be trapped with an animal and require immediate intervention. They also focused on the management of an equine trailer rollover, which would require further resources and control measures. Techniques in righting an overturned trailer were practiced and recorded as part of a growing suite of practical resources for animal rescue teams. Resources can be found covering a range of topics on the BARTA YouTube channel: youtube.com/@bartaresources940 Helping us on the day was Guy Fulford, Safety & Rescue Sector Manager for Harken UK. Guy brought along two LokHead Winch Kits. Harken Safety & … Continue reading →

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Spotlight on one of our Team – Teri England

Posted on 22/05/2025 by Neil

Many will know our Training and Events Coordinator, Teri England, a core member of the BARTA team. Teri recently underwent major life changing surgery. During her time away from work the team rallied, but it was clear the critical role she plays in supporting our first responders to be best equipped to deal with people and animals in emergencies. We are really glad that Teri is on the mend and back in the saddle from 2 perspectives! Her love for her horses and the drive to be back competing has really helped her recovery and we wanted to share a recent success story which was published on the British Dressage website, entitled, Combined Training Qualifiers: journeys of determinations. This is an insight into the challenges that Teri has faced recently and overcome with real determination, with her permission we wanted … Continue reading →

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Fire Evacuation – Owning Your Fire Plan

Posted on 17/04/2025 by Neil

BARTA have released a new fire safety film that outlines a fire evacuation plan and training exercise conducted at the Horse Trust, focusing on human safety, animal safety, and operational effectiveness. The film stresses the importance of owning the fire plan and practicing it with the entire team,take a look at the resources area on the BARTA website for more information on creating a fire and emergency plan. Jim Green, BARTA Director of Operations said:“Too often, fire risk assessments are seen as tick-box exercises left to gather dust. But a living,breathing fire plan – understood and owned by every team member – can make the differencebetween tragedy and success. This film aims to give equestrian yards across the UK, confidence in understanding and accessing the tools they need to create and practice a workable plan, tailored to their own risks … Continue reading →

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