Training in how to handle large animal emergency situations is the focus of a two day course that will be hosted by the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine this summer. The awareness level Technical Large Animal Emergency Rescue (TLAER) program will be held July 27-28, 2024.
The course will bring together people from a variety of disciplines to introduce the latest concepts, techniques, procedures, and equipment being used in large animal emergencies. The program includes lectures, demonstrations, and practical hands-on training. Participants will complete a final exam at the conclusion and receive a certificate in Animal Technical Rescue Standards.
During the program’s first day, lectures will cover the roles of veterinarians, owners, emergency responders, and animal control personnel in emergency and disaster situations. The course will introduce basic concepts and risk assessment, along with such topics as large animal behavior and senses in normal and stressful situations, agro-terrorism, and foreign animal diseases.
During the hands-on live training, participants will observe and practice various rescue techniques including manipulation, the use of supplies and equipment, barn fire prevention, and evacuation planning. They also will take part in an exercise in barn fire evacuation as well as other rescue simulations.
The second day offers lectures covering additional procedures along with demonstrations involving emergency planning and preparation, vertical lifting, and rescue scenarios such as water, ice, unstable ground, and mud rescues. The event will conclude with the final exam.
The training and certificates will be presented by Dr. Rebecca Husted, the sole owner of Technical Large Animal Rescue, Inc. Dr. Husted has more than 28 years of rescue experience and is retired from military active duty after mobilizations (Ft. Bragg) and combat deployments to Iraq and Kuwait.
The TLAER course is designed for veterinarians, firefighters, EMS personnel, animal control officers, breeders, trainers, and owners. To learn more visit the registration website or click here to register.