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VETS group conducts trailer-accident disaster training with area groups

Participants in the trailer accident rescue drill included representatives from several local law enforcement agencies.

The UF College of Veterinary Medicine’s Veterinary Emergency Treatment Services disaster response team joined several other area groups in a trailer accident training exercise, held Aug. 23 in Ocala at the Marion County Sheriff’s office complex.

Participants also included Marion County Fire Rescue’s Technical Rescue Team, Marion County Sheriff’s Volunteer Mounted Posse, and Alachua County Sheriff Rural Services deputies, said John Haven, VETS team coordinator and director of medical/health administration for the college.

“The scenario involved a donated bumper pull horse trailer, which was flipped with a 500 pound, full sized horse mannequin in it,” Haven said. “After a short training regarding scene safety, special considerations for rescuing livestock from trailers, etc.,  Marion County Fire Rescue was put in charge of the ‘rescue.’ The accident required that team to stabilize, and then cut open the trailer in coordination with the other responders.”

Haven said the Sheriff’s deputies and the Mounted Posse had received two animal technical rescue training courses previously, so this exercise provided valuable follow up training for them.

“It was also an excellent opportunity for them to train in conjunction with Marion County Fire Rescue, because they would jointly respond to an accident,” The VETS team brought its animal technical rescue cache, mannequin, a cadre of our veterinary students, and a local private practice veterinarian who is available to assist during an emergency.”

Haven said the training also provided an opportunity for everyone involved to acquire a more in-depth appreciation of the special hazards, considerations and skills involved with performing vehicle extrication.

“Marion County Fire Rescue personnel were able to demonstrate all of their various tools, and participants were able to discuss the implications of the equipment on the livestock in the trailer, and how to protect both the animals and the responders,” Haven said.