Large animals made a priority by fire service (From Cotswold Journal)

Large animals made a priority by fire service

4:59pm Wednesday 28th December 2011 in News

GLOUCESTERSHIRE’S Fire and Rescue Service is looking at introducing new ways of working when making large animal rescues.

As part of its plans for the future, the service wants to ensure the safety of firefighters, the animals and their owners.

The service's proposal is part of new Integrated Risk Management Plan - currently up for public consultation - and includes guidance and training to ensure safe management at the scene of a large animal rescue, enhanced training and more specialised and appropriate equipment.

The service will look to train in-house instructors who can ensure best practice is maintained and that skills and equipment are the best available.

They will also work closely with partners such as the British Equine Veterinary Association, to establish relationships with Gloucestershire-based vets so they can be called upon to work alongside firefighters effectively at an incident.

Chief Fire Officer, Jon Hall, said: "Rescuing large animals that are frightened and disorientated can be very dangerous for everyone concerned, so trained firefighters with the right equipment at the scene is essential for not only their safety but the animals and their owners too."

Public consultation on this proposal and six others closes on January 18, 2012. For details visit glosfire.gov.uk/irmp or call 01452 753333.