BARTA Belgian Animal Rescue and Trauma Care Association

BARTA Training for technical large animal rescue: 

Target audience are rescue services, livestock farmers and everyone working with (large) animals

RESCUING LARGE ANIMALS IS A SERIOUS BUSINESS

You don't just do it on the sidelines!

A solid (and traceable) professional education, knowledge of both anatomy and characteristics of the animal to be rescued, in combination with the use of appropriate and up-to-date equipment, are as far as I am concerned the absolute minimum requirements to be a professional in this business. 

As a certified BARTA INSTRUCTOR LARGE ANIMAL RESCUE RESPONDER, it is easy to talk, I hear you say.

But it gives you as a client a safe and assured feeling that you are being served with professionalism.

As in any profession, there are also “copy cats” operating in the field of Large Animal Rescue.

Some promote themselves with certificates that have absolutely no relation to BARTA, nor say anything about the expertise of these self-proclaimed  “experts”. 

Source photos Ronald Rongen

THE TWO BARTA-ACCREDITED LARGE ANIMAL RESCUE INSTRUCTORS IN EUROPE MET AT LSSE IN BELGIUM

Practice-oriented and verifiable expertise, professionalism and the latest available materials are just some of the keywords on a long list of quality requirements that a BARTA-accredited Large Animal Rescue Instructor must fulfill.

Ronald Rongen (LSSE) and Martin Stoick (bee-safe), both trained and certified by BARTA in England, are joining forces for a Europe-wide and unique collaboration in the field of technical large animal rescue.

Ronald provides professional education and practical training for organizations and people interested in learning and practicing Low Stress Stockmanship (LSS) and/or Large Animal Rescue (LAR).

Martin supplies Europe-wide professional and field-proven animal rescue equipment.

Through this close cooperation and the continuous exchange of know-how, both companies offer a unique concept that covers training, practice-oriented education and professional rescue equipment.

For all those who want to master the professional rescue of animals in an emergency situation.

(Pictured is Ronald receiving a BARTA halter from Martin, made especially for rescue operations, while LSSE training mannequin “Jim” observes approvingly from the background).

Source photo Ronald Rongen

Pictured on the left: Jim Green, BARTA Director of Operations, on the right: Ronald Rongen, LSSE (Certified BARTA INSTRUCTOR LARGE ANIMAL RESCUE RESPONDER)

Source photo Ronald Rongen

Please find below the technical equipment I use when rescuing large animals

Horse Mannequin:

Function: The professional rescue mannequin for rescue training is essential for learning the skills required to rescue large animals.

Construction: This rescue mannequin is made of durable material to withstand a variety of extreme training environments.

It has lifting & pulling eyes that enable easy placement into challenging scenarios.

The rescue dummy is virtually waterproof and can be used for water and mud rescue.

When designing the horse, particular emphasis was placed on making it as lifelike as possible: Replica joints, musculature, and color tone.

All these features help the rescue services to train with a model that is as close to reality as possible.

The Rescue mannequin is constructed in such a way that its legs can be fixed so that it can stand freely on its own hooves.

This is essential for many rescue training situations, especially those involving water and mud.

The body is made of high-quality, abrasion-resistant polymer and is based around a laser-cut metal skeleton; all exposed metal parts are galvanized to increase corrosion resistance.

The mannequin is equipped with a trolley for movement on terrain and is fitted with pneumatic wheels for more rough terrain.  

Source photo:  ResQuip

Improvised Halter:

Description: Rope halter used for the emergency control of large animals, particularly equines.

Function: To facilitate effective and quick control of an equine either standing or recumbent and other animals following risk assessment.

Construction: ….mm high strength double braid polyester rope with the kern removed.

Operational Use:

Fitting Improvised Halter Standing:

Place the spliced loop over the animal’s neck,

Take a small bight of line and draw it through the spliced loop,

Tighten and adjust over the animal’s nose and behind the ears,

Remember that this is subject to quick release,

For more secure halter, tie an overhand knot to prevent the nose band slipping off.

Fitting Improvised Halter Recumbent:

Approach from the spine side at the neck,

Pass the loop of the emergency rope halter under the animal’s neck,

Take a small bight of line and draw it through the spliced loop,

Tighten and adjust over the animal’s nose and behind the ears,

Place soft protection under the animal’s head as soon as possible.

Maintenance: Remove contaminants and wash in disinfectant before rinsing and drying.

Test Frequency: On Acceptance / Quarterly / After Use.

Test: Check for cuts and abrasions in the rope

Additional Information: Picture of Improvised Halter.

Source photo:  ResQuip

Head Collars:

Description: Rescue Equine Head Collars.

Function: Used for the control and/or leading of equines and other species where appropriate.

Construction: Head Collars are constructed of nylon webbing with plastic clips and adjustment.

Head Collars are manufactured in 4 sizes and colour coded Pony (green) Cob (orange) Full (red) Extra Full (black).

Operational Use:

Fitting Headcollars Standing:

Headcollars are generally applied from the left hand side, however, following risk assessment, can be applied when necessary from the right.

The most appropriate size of headcollar should be selected.

Before application, check the head collar is not twisted and the lead rope is attached under the chin.

Ensure the nose band is not too low on the horses nose as it can restrict breathing.

Adjust the head collar to fit securely.

Head collars maybe fitted over the top of an improvised halter.

Fitting Headcollars Recumbent:

Prepare the headcollar by undoing one side of the neck strap in accordance with the side it is lying on.

Apply the headcollar from spine side if achievable.

If application from a safe place is not achievable, await further control measures.

Place soft protection under the recumbent animals head after fitting the head collar.

Ensure sufficient length of lead rope or lunge line is attached.

Head collars maybe fitted over the top of an improvised halter.

Maintenance: Remove contaminants and wash in disinfectant before rinsing and drying.

Test Frequency: On Acceptance / Quarterly / After Use.

Test: Ensure the webbing and buckle is in good condition.

Ensure the lead rope is not frayed and its connecting clip functions correctly.

Additional Information: Picture of Head Collar.

Source photo:  ResQuip

Animal Rescue Carry Sheet:

Description: Padded canvas sheet with carry handles.

Function: To protect the head and eyes of a recumbent large animal during rescue.

To act as soft protection during cutting operations.

To restrict vision by wrapping over the head and eyes during rescue (under veterinary supervision).

To support and assist in carrying the head of a large animal during a rescue.

To assist in the removal of small farm animals, companion animals such as dogs and wild animals such as deer.

Construction: The sheet is constructed of canvas 1.6 metres x 1.2 metres with complete loops of polyester webbing stitched into the canvas giving grab handles on each side.

Operational Use: Fold the sheet to the required size for animal and task and consider manual handling implications.

Ensure the stitched side with webbing is not in contact with the animal.

Place under a casualty by lifting the animal's head enough to slide the sheet into position. For large animals this is best undertaken by 2 personnel.

If used as a head carry sheet, ensure the handles are in position to encompass the head and the nostrils are not obscured.

Maintenance: After use, wash off contaminants and soak the sheet in a solution of disinfectant before rinsing and drying.

Test Frequency: On Acceptance / Quarterly / After Use.

Test: Inspect the sheet to ensure:

Webbing attachments are clean and in good condition.

No damage, wear and tear.

No abrasive debris is embedded within the sheet.

Additional Information: Picture of Animal Rescue Carry Sheet.

Source photos:  ResQuip

Strop Guides (Small / Medium / Standard):

Description: Strop guides are tools designed to be pushed under recumbent large animals for the purpose of attaching strops and harness to aid rescue. They come in 3 distinct sizes.

Function: To facilitate strops and harness attachments being pulled under the animal.

To allow operators to operate from safe positions when carrying out rescue operations.

To minimise distress to an animal when applying rescue equipment.

Construction: Each guide has a steel handle at one end and a hook and steel ball at the other.

The sprung steel tools come in 3 lengths, reducing in flexibility as the length shortens.

The tempered steel will allow the guide to return to its original shape.

Dimensions: 

Standard: Length 2160mm / Width 40mm / Steel thickness 4mm.

Medium: Length 1110mm / Width 40mm / Thickness 4mm.

Small: Length 600mm / Width 40mm / Thickness 4mm.

Operational Use:

Standard (large) strop guide:

Insert the strop guide from a safe position using anatomical natural hollows as a guide.

Ground conditions will dictate whether insertion requires one or 2 persons.

Push the guide as far as necessary to present the hook for attachment of equipment.

Pushing the handle up to the spine will afford the most clearance for safe attachment.

Where safe clearance is not achieved, attachments may be facilitated using a crook.

The design allows the tool to follow contours of the ground and present for attachment.

In fluid conditions a hook may not be visible, and tools required to assist in withdrawal.

Due to the sprung steel construction, a strop guide can be bent around an animal enabling a strop to be attached to the hook end from spine side. Once a strop or harness is attached, the strop guide can be withdrawn.

When withdrawing through the rear natural hollow, slightly tilt the hook downwards to avoid catching loose skin on the underside flank.

Medium strop guide:

The medium strop guide is used when operating in restricted spaces such as a trailer or from a rescue path.

Limitations are its length and less flexibility.

Small strop guide:

The small strop guide is used as an extension of an operators arm for occasions such as working from both sides of a sternally positioned animal in fluid conditions such as slurry.

Maintenance: Wash off contaminants and use a disinfectant solution before rinsing and drying.

Test Frequency: On Acceptance / Quarterly / After Use.

Test: Visual inspection to ensure that the strop guide is not damaged.

Pay particular attention to the shape of the hook.

Check all welds for signs of deterioration.

Additional Information: Picture of Strop Guide (Medium).

Source photo Ronald Rongen

Heavy Duty Limb Crook: 

Description: Heavy duty aluminium crook used to facilitate a safe system of work in the rescue of large animals. 

Function: Acts as a physical extension of a rescuers arm to pass and place equipment.

Aids the lifting of limbs during large animal rescue with a crook end. 

Construction: 1.45m aluminium alloy tube, 25mm external diameter and 3 mm thickness plastic handle grip and plastic stop end.

180mm diameter across crook mouth to allow for large animal limb handling. 

Operational Use: The heavy duty crook is largely used as an extension of the arm to allow the application of strops or move the limbs of large animals at a safe distance. Use the crook singularly or 2 handed depending on the task Inspiring excellence in animal response.

It can also be used when herding livestock as an extension of an arm.

Maintenance: Remove contaminants after use and wash with disinfectant before rinsing and drying.

Test Frequency: On Acceptance / Quarterly / After Use.

Test: Visual inspection for damage to aluminium, handle or stop end.

Additional Information: Picture of Heavy Duty Limb Crook. 

Source photo Ronald Rongen

Webbing Strops (5m / 7m / 9m):

Description: Duplex 3 tonne strop used in the movement of compromised large animals.

Function: Used as the primary equipment for placement around large animals in various configurations to aid manual rescue techniques.

Strops may also be used for winching operations and trailer righting.

Construction: Polyester flat woven duplex strop with reinforced eyes at each end.

Working load limit of 3000 kg.

Minimum safety factor of 7:1 (Breaking strain of 21 tonnes).

Common sizes are 5, 7 and 9 metres length and 75mm wide.

Operational Use: Used for a range of standard manual stropping techniques for large animal rescue, including:

○ Barrel Skid

○ Rearward Skid

○ Forward Skid

○ Sideways Skid

○ Rollover

○ Controlled Rollover

○ Forward Assist

○ Trailer Extrication

Maintenance: Remove contaminants and soak in disinfectant before rinsing and drying.

Test Frequency: On Acceptance / Quarterly / After Use.

Test: Visual Inspection to include a check to ensure that the strop is clean, undamaged and shows no signs of excessive wear and tear.

Annual: A full inspection by outside testing body if required by internal testing regime.

Additional Information: Picture of Webbing Strops.   

Source photo:  ResQuip

Webbing Hobbles (Set of 4):

Description:  A hobble is a webbing strap used in the restraint or recovery of compromised large animals.

Function: To restrain large animals' limbs during a rescue.

For the lifting of an anaesthetised large animal.

For emergency movement of a compromised large animal when human life risk.

Construction: Blue polyester flat woven duplex strop with lifting ring attached (rated 6 ton).

Operational Use: Used for specific large animal rescue applications usually in conjunction with tools such as; Heavy limb crook, hard protection shield and general purpose rope.

Applications include;

○ Hobbled limb restraint,

○ Hobbled dorsal rollover,

○ Hobbled lift (under veterinary supervision and general anaesthesia).

Maintenance: Wash after use and if it’s been in contact with animals or their environment, soak in a solution of Trigene to control the risk of Zoonotic Infections.

Test Frequency: On Acceptance / Quarterly / After Use.

Test: Visual Inspection to ensure that the webbing and stitching is undamaged.

Inspect the ring for distortion or damage.

Additional Information: Picture of Webbing Hobbles (Set of 4). 

Source photo:  ResQuip

10m General Purpose (GP) Lines:

Description: General purpose rope, used in the movement of recumbent large animals as part of an approved rescue technique (known in the fire service as “lines”).

Function: Used to facilitate the manual movement of large animals during rescue methodology.

Construction: General purpose ropes (lines) are made of 16mm polypropylene rope.

Operational Use: Ropes (lines) are used in a variety of rescue techniques for the purpose of manual movement of large animals or pulling rescue glides.

Ropes will be applied by passing through the strop eye/s and doubling up to form two parts in the hands of the operators (no knots to be tied to animals or systems).

In the event of emergency or controlled release, operators will let go of the inside rope and pull the remaining standing part through the strop eye to release the system.

Maintenance: Remove contaminants and wash in disinfectant before rinsing and drying.

Test Frequency: On Acceptance / Quarterly / After Use.

Test: Inspect the rope for abrasion, impact or chemical damage.

Additional Information: Picture of General Purpose (GP) Line. 

Source photo:  ResQuip

Animal Rescue Hard Protection Shield:

Description: Impact resistant shield used in the protection of human casualties or to facilitate safe access and egress in restricted spaces.

Function: Provides portable hard protection at animal rescues.

Facilitates safe access and egress for crews and veterinarians.

Supports protection of life when humans at risk from compromised animals.

Construction: Polycarbonate, rigid transparent sheet material.

Solid Transparent.

Dimensions: Length 1350mm X Width 600mm X Thickness 4mm.

Handles attached to rear and foam padding cushioning.

Operational Use: Operators will have most control of the shield when operating in an upright position with the left hand grasping the upper right handle and the left hook handle resting on the operators arm.

Grasp the lower right handle with the right arm if required.

The animal rescue hard protection shield should only be utilised after dynamic risk assessment utilising decision controls, by trained operators and when all other available control measures have been applied.

Shields should be in close contact with casualty animal in order that an attempt to kick would not achieve velocity and/or high impact.

Maintenance: Remove contaminants and wash with disinfectant before rinsing and drying.

Test Frequency: On Acceptance / Quarterly / After Use.

Test: Inspect the shield for damage.

Ensure the grab handles are secure.

Additional Information: Picture of Animal Rescue Hard Protection Shield.

Source photo: Ronald Rongen

Rescue Glide: Casualty Sheet and Glide Bar / Auxiliary Glide Sheets:

Description: The Rescue Glide is a large animal casualty movement device with towing bar consisting of casualty sheet and auxiliary sheets.

Function: Facilitate the movement of large recumbent animals.

Providing casualty protection for animals being recovered.

Construction: Glide sheets are constructed of recycled white plastic 2400mm x 1200mm with a thickness of 8mm (casualty sheet) and 6mm (auxiliary sheet).

Slots and holes are positioned to facilitate attachment of towing bar to side or end and to allow sheets to be attached together using screw thread connectors.

Operational Use: Used in conjunction with a range of standard manual stropping techniques for large animal rescue.

Maintenance: Wash after use and if it’s been in contact with animals or their environment soak in a solution of Trigene to control the risk of Zoonotic Infections.

Test Frequency: On Acceptance / Quarterly / After Use.

Test: Ensure the rescue glide sheets and connectors are in good condition and free of damage.

Ensure the aluminum plates are secure.

Ensure the triangular towing eyes are secure.

Ensure the connectors are free from dirt and the thread opiates correctly.

Additional Information: Picture of Rescue Glide; Auxiliary Glide Sheets and towing bar.

Source photos Ronald Rongen

Rescue Harness Set (2x rescue strops plus anti spill straps):

Description: Set of strops and anti spill quick release straps used for lifting large animals in conjunction with a quick release spreader bar.

Function: To enable the lifting of animals such as cattle and horses, no greater than 2000kgs where a simple quick release rescue system is required.

Construction: Rescue strops:

Two, 3m x 150mm red duplex slings, with reinforced eyes and ‘D’ rings attached at 200mm intervals to attach the anti spill straps.

Anti spill straps are webbing with clips at each end and a quick release connection.

Operational Use: The Rescue Sling is designed for short duration lifts or a combination lift and skid maneuver.

Suitability of this method should be determined following assessment of species, also factors such as anatomical or medical considerations.

Lifting must be carried out under the guidance of a veterinarian and control measures should usually include chemical control.

Anti spill straps should be applied to prevent the animal slipping from the system. The quick release connectors should be orientated on the same side as the quick release mechanism on the spreader bar.

Equines must have a minimum front anti spill strap attached when lifting.

Bovines must have front and rear anti spill straps connected for lifting.

Maintenance: Remove contaminants and wash with disinfectant prior to rinsing and drying.

Test Frequency: On Acceptance / Quarterly / After Use

Test: Visual Inspection to ensure that the strop or attachments are undamaged.

Additional Information: Picture of Rescue Harness Set (2x rescue strops plus anti spill straps).

Source photo:  ResQuip

Medical Suspension Harness:

Description: Medical suspension harness suitable for lifting large animals such as cattle and horses for sustained periods.

Function: To enable recumbent large animals to be lifted and suspended.

To rescue large animals in circumstances where a rescue harness is not suitable.

Construction: The Harness is constructed of webbing with stainless steel rings for attachment to a quick release spreader bar or alternative quick release lifting provision.

The maximum safe working load is one tonne.

Operational Use: The harness is applied to recumbent large animals in conjunction with other animal rescue tools and equipment to maximise safety.

The harness is attached to a quick release spreader bar using a strop which is threaded through each of the metal rings.

An adjustable wither strap must be utilised to secure the animal from spilling out.

Always carry out lifting and suspension under the supervision of a veterinarian.

Maintenance: Remove contaminants and wash in disinfectant before rinsing and drying.

Test Frequency: On Acceptance / Quarterly / After Use.

Test: Visually inspect the harness for damage to webbing or stitching.

Check adjusters for ease of operation.

Additional Information: Picture of Medical Suspension Harness.

Source photo Ronald Rongen

Quick Release Spreader Bar:

Description: The Quick Release Spreader Bar is a lifting spreader bar that can be attached to a suitably risk assessed mechanical lifting device for the purpose of lifting large animals for rescue, veterinary hospital recovery or welfare assistance.

This design incorporates an immediate quick release function as an essential safety measure.

Function: The Quick Release Spreader Bar is used in conjunction with approved strops and animal harnesses.

It provides a safe mechanism for lifting heavy large animals WLL 2000kgs.

The quick release function enables stress free release of the harness/strops in normal circumstances and the ability to immediately release from the mechanical lifting device should an unforeseen event occur.

Construction: The beam is 65mm x 30mm, constructed of 2.5mm mild steel consisting of a hollow section with internal bar connected to the operating mechanism.

The internal bar has steel wedges which slide to provide locking and release points at each end of the spreader bar for the insertion of rated rings or karabiners.

The locking mechanism is secured with a sprung pin.

The bar is attached to a mechanical device by a forged steel oval ring and 1 tonne webbing strops.

On the opposite end to the release mechanism is a shackle or karabiner for use with a continuous loop strop where only one end is required to release.

Operational Use: The attachment and release should be carried out following the procedure outlined below:

a. Attach the lifting beam via the large oval ring to the chosen lifting device

b. Attach the red lunge line to the trip mechanism and open the system in preparation to receive the harness. (Fig.1)

c. Approach the animal with the lifting beam ensuring the release mechanism is pointing towards the rear

d. Place the rings into the quick release openings CAUTION: DO NOT stand under booms or loader arms

e. With the rings in place, close the release mechanism which holds the rings in place. (Fig.2)

f. Once the rings are secured in place, lock the mechanism and take up a safe position in line with the spine of the animal at a safe distance to the rear. (Fig.3).

CAUTION: Once the system is armed DO NOT utilise the red trip line as a steerage aid.

g. If steerage is required in addition to the head control, utilise a green lunge line attached to a D ring on the strops or at another convenient position on the system.

h. The operational plan will dictate the time and means of release; however it is important to deploy anti spill or wither straps prior to the animal having cause to move off and ideally before it has contact with the ground.

Using in conjunction with the Medical Suspension Harness

When using the medical suspension harness first thread the rings onto a continuous loop strop.

Insert the rear continuous loop strop ring into the quick release jaw and secure.

Connect the front ring to a karabiner or shackle which is attached to the end of the spreader bar.

This way when released only the rear part of the strop is detached and can pull through the larger harness rings with ease and remain with the spreader bar.

Combination Lift and Skid

To gain mechanical advantage but still retain the benefits of skidding, the Quick Release Spreader Bar is ideal when performing a combination lift and skid, or mechanical skid as it provides the added security of quick release.

Maintenance: Operate all moving parts to ensure free movement and lubricate where appropriate.

Test Frequency: On Acceptance / Quarterly / After Use.

Test: Visually inspect each element of the device to ensure all parts are undamaged and lubricated.

Additional Information: Pictures of Quick Release Spreader Bar.

Source photos:  ResQuip

Source photo Ronald Rongen

SOME OF THE REASONS WHY HORSES WILL RUN BACK INTO A BURNING BARN

THE HERD EFFECT:

- This can lead to dangerous situations, especially for the people trying to rescue the animals and for the emergency responders at the scene.

- While emergency responders are used to dealing with barn fires and individuals who panic, a group of horses running back into the barn in a panic to check out the situation with their peers is something completely different.

THEREFORE, BE WELL PREPARED FOR ANY EMERGENCY:

- Do you have an evacuation plan?

- Do you have a logical and orderly walking route to ensure that you can get all horses out of the barn quickly and in an organized manner safely?

- Is this walking route free of obstacles?

- Is everyone aware of which are the entrances and exits in case of an emergency?

- Does the area outside provide a place for the horses to go and from which they cannot get back into the barn?

- Is your property fenced such that horses cannot walk on public roads (this fencing also keeps outsiders off the property!).

- Describe and write down your evacuation plan and discuss it with staff/family members and the fire department.

- Not all firefighters know how to handle horses in panic situations, no one can blame them for that!

ALL THIS CAN MAKE THE DIFFERENCE IN A BARN FIRE, BOTH FOR THE HORSES AND FOR THE PEOPLE WHO WORK WITH AND FOR YOU!

Source photos Ronald Rongen

Low Stress Stockmanship Europe participated in the BARTA 2024 conference at the School of Veterinary Medicine in Glasgow, Scotland

12 -14 June 2024

The BARTA Conference 2024 was held at the University of Glasgow in Scotland.

The conference was particularly aimed at national and international emergency services, veterinary and animal welfare professionals, emergency responders  and anyone charged with rescuing animals in crisis.

As many as 13 countries were represented at the conference

Topics included Animal Rescue / Trauma Care / Community Resilience / Role of the Volunteer / Wildlife Response / Climate Change / Mass Casualty Triage / Small Animal Emergency Care / Large Animal Lifting / Flooding and Water Response / Post Incident Learning / Pre Veterinary Immediate Care / Medical Challenges In Fire and Flood / Creating a Community of Practice,  were discussed.

Whether it was a cow that fell into the manure pit, a horse stuck in the horsebox or a livestock truck involved in a traffic accident.

All of these issues were discussed in detail.

There was even an entire day of discussion on the issues of  large fires, waterlogging and flooding.

Unsurprisingly, these issues are of global concern, which became painfully clear at the conference.

LSSE and BARTA are working intensively together to educate and train emergency responders as well as anyone working with horses and/or (large) farm animals.

This is necessary..., do you know exactly what to do in case of an emergency with your horse, cattle or pigs? 

This unique conference will continue to inspire excellence in animal rescue!

Source photos: Neil Rae (BARTA) 

May 2024

Preliminary meeting in the Netherlands for the upcoming BARTA Conference 2024, Glasgow, Scotland

BARTA Conference 2024, Glasgow, Scotland: Entitled “Global Solutions To Tackle Local Issues”

- Aimed at national and international emergency services, veterinary and welfare professionals, emergency responders and community resilience planners. This unique conference continues to inspire excellence in animal response!

June 12th-14th 2024, in partnership with Glasgow School of Veterinary Medicine, Scotland. 

Source photo Ronald Rongen

Pictured from left to right:

- Joris Wijnker

Visiting researcher at the Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences - Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Utrecht University,

- Jim Green

Director at the UK Animal Rescue and Trauma Care Association,  (BARTA) and animal rescue specialist at the Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service,

- Ronald Rongen

Researcher and Expert in Farm Animal Behavior, Specialist in Species-Appropriate Animal Husbandry, Instructor Technical Large Animal Rescue,  Animal Ethologist. 

May 2024

RONALD RONGEN IS ONE OF THE FIRST IN THE EUROPEAN UNION TO HAVE ACQUIRED THE ACCREDITED "BARTA INSTRUCTOR LARGE ANIMAL RESCUE RESPONDER" LICENSE

The standardization of rescue training for large (farm) animals for fire and rescue services in Europe is, (following the English standard) a big step closer in May 2024. On May 3 2024, Ronald Rongen (LSSE) was one of the first in the European union to pass the internationally highly regarded and recognized instructor course of the British Animal Rescue and Trauma Care Association, (BARTA).

After an intensive training in England and after completing both theoretical and practical assessments, all participants (5 English professional Firefighters and Ronald), successfully passed the exam. 

Supporting first responders in solving emergencies involving animals.

With verified, safe and welfare oriented plans, that's what drives me to represent BARTA worldwide.

BARTA is world renowned for its good reputation and is in a unique position  when it comes to bringing together expertise from different industries and specialties.

Their joint collaboration will impact the future of animal incident management across a broad spectrum of agencies and applications.

From localized animal incidents to large-scale emergencies and disasters involving multiple agencies.

As an example, consider the increase in flooding that is becoming more and more frequent.

This fact requires a focused approach even in animal rescue and therefore poses great challenges to rescue services.

The common goal of both LSSE and BARTA is to train, motivate and inspire people by creating opportunities and leaving “Inspiring excellence in animal welfare and animal response” as a legacy for our future generations.

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 BBARTA 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.

Please feel free to contact me here for further information, and be inspired to excellence in animal welfare and animal response.

Ronald Rongen

Source photos Ronald Rongen

May 2024

Practical training of professional Firefighters:

- Threading techniques (the four ‘assistants’ in a total of six variations)

- Working with Webbing Strop (5m / 7m / 9m), Limb Crook and the Strop Guide.

- Proper application of a Medical Suspension Harness and how to use a Quick Release Spreader Bar.

Source photos Ronald Rongen

Incidents Involving Animals "SELECT"

S - Safety: 

Are the safety measures in place proportionate to the risk and does everyone on scene understand the risk?

E - Environment: 

What are the environmental factors and how do they impact the complexity of the incident, the skill sets required to operate within or achieve a rescue.

L - Leadership: 

Do we have the right leadership in place, are they working together and do they have shared situational awareness?

E - Equipment: 

Is equipment fit for purpose, available in an acceptable timeframe and adaptable for the tasks required?

C - Casualty: 

In the plan casualty centric and do we have appropriate and sufficient veterinary responders on scene?

T - Techniques: 

Are the techniques appropriate for the animal and any medical or physiological needs.

Source text BARTA

May 2024

By invitation, I was a guest of the "Weilerswist Volunteer Fire Brigade".

For everyone interested in large animal rescue techniques, it was an interesting and educational day.

Also the local press showed interest, which is very much appreciated.

After a theoretical part at the fire station, the practical part followed on a nearby dam.

First of all the basic equipment necessary for the rescue of large animals was explained.

After that, following operating procedures were extensively practiced: 

- Improvised Halter and Head Collars

- Animal Rescue Carry Sheet

- Threading techniques (the four ‘assistants’ in a total of six variations)

- Strop Guide

- Heavy Duty Limb Crook

- Webbing Strops (5m / 7m / 9m)

- Practical demonstration of how "Rollover" and "Controlled Rollover" work in operation

-  Rescue Harness Set (2x rescue strops plus anti spill straps)

- Medical Suspension Harness

- Considerations when mechanically lifting and lowering animals in a Rescue Harness

- How to use a Quick Release Spreader Bar. 

Source photos Ronald Rongen

April 2024

On invitation, I was as a guest of the “Volunteer Fire Brigade of the Cloppenburg District Fire Brigade Association”.

On the program was “Rescue training for fire and rescue services for the purpose of rescuing large animals”. 

After the theoretical part at the fire station, the practical part followed near a water collection basin.

First of all the basic equipment necessary for the rescue of large animals was explained.

After that, following operating procedures were extensively practiced: 

- Improvised Halter and Head Collars

- Rescue Glide; Glide Bar / Auxiliary Glide Sheets

- Animal Rescue Carry Sheet

- Webbing Strops (5m / 7m / 9m)

- Heavy Duty Limb Crook

- Threading techniques (the four ‘assistants’ in a total of six variations)

- Strop Guide

- Practical demonstration of how "Rollover" and "Controlled Rollover" work in operation

-  Rescue Harness Set (2x rescue strops plus anti spill straps)

- Medical Suspension Harness

- Considerations when mechanically lifting and lowering animals in a Rescue Harness

- How to use a Quick Release Spreader Bar. 

Source photos Ronald Rongen