Firefighters to get horse rescue training

2:11pm Tuesday 19th February 2008

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Firefighters from Penwortham will be part of a team of fire personnel from Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service to attend a training event next week about rescuing large trapped animals.

Lancashire fire bosses claim there are a significant number of incidents each year where horses or cattle have to be rescued by firefighters.

Last year, 28 horses and six cows were rescued by Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, compared to 2006 when 24 horses and 19 cows were rescued.

According to fire chiefs training firefighters to rescue large trapped animals has been problematic in the past.

Now Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service has bought a life-size horse training mannequin from the USA to aid the rescuing techniques.

Lucky, the horse mannequin, has articulating limbs, a tail feature as an attachment point, a realistic training weight and stands at a height of 15 hands.

The mannequin will accept standard horse harnesses, glides and gear.

It can be used in all weather, mud, water and is designed for training indoors or outdoors.

On Friday February, 29, firefighters from Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, in conjunction with Myerscough College, near Preston, will hold a series of training events at the college.

Firefighters from Penwortham will join a team from Fleetwood and Nelson, near Burnley, on the course which will be led by instructors from Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service and equine trainers from the college which specialises in outdoor learning pursuits and equine activities.

The firefighters will be taught how to perform a number of techniques that will be able to rescue horses.

They will also be trained how to handle horses in a real life situation.

Phil Driver, an instructor from Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service's Training Centre, will be leading the course.

He said: "We would like to thank Myerscough College for allowing us to use their wonderful facilities and for them to share their expertise dealing with horses.

"There are a significant number of large animals trapped each year in Lancashire each year and Lucky will help us train firefighters in Lancashire how to rescue large animals quicker and in a safer environment for both the animal and the firefighters."

Julia Gray, equine learning manager at Myerscough College, added: "Lancashire firefighters do an excellent job protecting and rescuing the lives of humans and animals throughout the county.

"The training courses run over the three month period will provide firefighters with safe and efficient safety techniques when they are dealing with large trapped animals."

• To view a gallery of pictures of firefighters preparing for the course with Lucky, the life-size horse mannequin, click the link below.