Ignorance of equine behavior may compromise the safety of rescue personnel and victims. By recognizing the reality of possible equine incidents or rescues, and being prepared, fire departments will better serve their communities. The fire department can be easily mobilized and dispatched to an equine incident through existing county COM systems. Pre-arranged agreements allow for supportive services such as the local animal control agency and veterinarian to join the scene with one call to 911. Mutual aid agreements allow departments, which take a special interest in Equine Rescue to assist untrained departments.
Effective teamwork is critical to a successful equine response.
The existing ICS and SEMS systems are ideal support systems which allow the fire department to take control of the situation and acquire resources as necessary in a timely way. Technical specialties can be applied to Equine Rescue for an effective response. With an understanding of the physical and mental characteristics of the horse, these specialties can be adapted to serve an equine response. B. Trailer accident overturn or rescue. Scene management, resource needs, communications, extrication and heavy rescue.