The Seminole County Fire Department (SCFD) recently partnered with the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine’s Veterinary Emergency Treatment Center to conduct an advanced training session focused on large animal rescues. The training better equip personnel with the skills needed for animal-related emergencies (e.g., horses, cattle) in Seminole County, especially in rural areas. In the past three months, Seminole County has responded to at least three large animal rescues through its Large Animal Rescue Team in the Geneva area. 

Dozens of personnel participated in the hands-on training, which covered essential techniques for responding to major rescues, such as those involving horses. Firefighters were trained in assembling Portable High Point Operations—a pulley system designed to assist in safely lifting and relocating large animals during rescue operations. Typically, a large animal rescue requires at least two to three personnel. Due to the stress of the situation, animals may become agitated or skittish, so responders are trained to give animals space to acclimate after they’ve been safely extricated from danger.

Recognizing that no two rescues are alike, the Seminole County Fire Department ensures that each response is tailored to the unique needs of the animal and the situation, with careful attention to the safety of both the animal and the rescue team.

“We have a lot of specialized teams at the Seminole County Fire Department and animal rescues is just one,” said Lieutenant Steve Vasey, who coordinated the training. “Having the subject matter experts and instructors from the University of Florida was extremely beneficial to our crews and this is a training opportunity we have offered in the past and has paid off.”

The department works to ensure they offer frequent trainings to keep personnel abreast on significant training developments to better meet the needs of the community.