The standardization of “rescue training for large animals” for both firefighters and rescue services, as well as for veterinarians and livestock farmers in the European union, moved a step closer on May 3, 2024.
In England, Ronald Rongen graduated as one of the first in the European union for the internationally acclaimed and recognized 'BARTA Instructor Large Animal Rescue Responder' License.
Jim Green, (BARTA Director of Operations):
'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 with UK fire and rescue service national operational guidance.
A missing element has been a formal instructor course and we are proud to have achieved this goal. This is an opportunity to embed gold standard practices and standardised resources across the UK.
Following the course, instructors have access to a wide range of teaching and assessment materials through BARTA’s online hub which will ensure not only will they be able to teach the same message as their colleagues, additionally any new procedures, equipment or techniques become immediately available to the growing group of accredited instructors across the UK.
The BARTA Instructors course enables future instructors to standardize and, where necessary, update the way they deliver training and (practical) education.
They can at any time rely on BARTA's expertise and support in developing future training and education programs'.
Ronald Rongen, (LSSE):
'In the deployment of a rescue operation, the veterinarian is an inseparable link as part of the entire rescue team. He/she should therefore always know and respect the strict procedures and strict rules. Although it was not easy for a Dutch “non-firefighter” in the midst of the English Fire Service Specialists, we successfully worked together as one team.
WHAT ARE THE NEXT STEPS FOR 'LSSE' AND 'BARTA' AND WHAT IS THE LINK TO ANIMAL HUSBANDRY?
- Building a network of knowledge on standardization of rescue training of large (farm) animals on a European level according to the proven BARTA concept,
- Information, education and (practical) training to everyone working with or handling large (farm) animals.
- Education, information, instruction and training for veterinary professionals, agricultural farms, agricultural schools, agricultural colleges, agricultural study clubs, etc.
JUST THINK ABOUT IT:
Do you know exactly what to do when a cow is down, a horse is fallen in the ditch or stuck in the mud, or pigs are in trouble during transit?
The use of a electric cattle prod, a hip clamp or a rope around the neck are neither desirable nor applicable anno 2024, there are better techniques and methods!'
More information can be found here
Please feel free to contact me for further information and be inspired to excellence in animal welfare.
Source photos Ronald Rongen