USRider Distributes
500 Copies of Large Animal Rescue Video
USRider has produced and widely distributed a video for the purpose of
increasing awareness of the need for correct rescue training among
emergency medical technicians, law enforcement officials, horse
associations and other related groups.
This awareness campaign is succeeding. Since creating the video in the
first quarter of 2003, USRider has distributed more than 500 free copies
of the large-animal rescue video to numerous organizations and
individuals across the nation. Videos have also been sent to Canada,
Germany and Argentina.
“Initially, we thought we might send out 50 or
maybe 100 copies," said Mark Cole,
managing member for USRider, a member-based organization
providing trailering assistance throughout North America with its
Equestrian Motor Plan. "We offer our sincere
appreciation to the numerous newsletters and publications that have
assisted us in getting the word out about this worthwhile initiative."
Many animals end up being dragged, strangled, drowned or dropped during
attempted rescues because many emergency responders do not have the
proper training for rescuing large animals safely.
“Most emergency responders have extensive knowledge about rescuing
humans but, due to no fault of their own, lack training in how to rescue
large animals properly. When emergency responders are made aware of the
need of large-animal rescue skills, most are very receptive. We just
need to create awareness,” explained Cole.
The Large-Animal Rescue video covers theory and demonstrations on how to
respond to overturned trailers; animals in holes, pools or open sewers;
barn fires; trailer wrecks; and animals loose on the highway, trapped in
various places or hurt on the trail. The video uses simulated situations
to demonstrate how to tie up, pull, strap and lift large animals.
“We are extremely pleased by the quality of organizations that have
requested the video thus far,” said Cole.
Those requesting the video include the Federal Emergency Management
Agency (FEMA), the American Horse Protection Association, horse
councils, veterinarians, state departments of agriculture, animal
welfare departments, humane societies, fire departments and EMTs,
libraries, colleges, and riding clubs and associations.
“Several groups have gone above the call of duty by hosting viewings for
emergency responders or by making copies and personally handing them out
to emergency responders,” said Cole. “Others have taken the initiative
to reach a wide audience by playing the video on local cable
television.”
Many of those who have received the video have
written back to tell us of the positive responses they have heard from
local responders and to express their gratitude for being made aware of
the issue of large-animal rescue preparation.
"While it is wonderful to get the word out to
horse owners and enthusiasts, we must continue to mobilize those who
view the video to bring this issue to the attention of local responders
and ultimately get them trained and certified in large animal rescue,"
said Cole.
"A number of viewers have taken this extra step.
Some have written to us about how they plan to broaden awareness of this
issue,” explained Cole. “One simple idea was to take a horse to the
local fire station to let responders simply become more acquainted with
horses and to demonstrate proper handling techniques."
The video features Drs. Tomas and Rebecca Gimenez from
Clemson University, nationally recognized experts in large-animal rescue
training. They have been offering emergency rescue training courses
around the country for over five years. Several hundred firefighters,
police officers, sheriff’s deputies and animal control technicians along
with organized volunteers have attended their two- and three-day
workshops. Tomas and Rebecca Gimenez can be contacted via e-mail at
tgmnz@clemson.edu or by
telephone at (864) 656-5158.
The video was produced by Caren L. Hunter of Sylvan Inc., a television
productions and commercial advertising firm. Hunter has served as a
producer for television commercials, sales and marketing videos,
industrial videos, half hour format national television programs and
live broadcast sports television. Hunter’s equine-related productions
include Kilkenny Internationale Cup Grand Prix, Zada Enterprises Masters
Cup Grand Prix, Cosequin U.S. Open Jumper Championship, USET Festival of
Champions and USET Show Jumping Championship. Caren Hunter can be
contacted via e-mail at
chunter10@aol.com or by
telephone at Sylvan Productions at (561) 758-6888.
“At USRider, we are truly pleased and fortunate to have had the
opportunity to work with such a high level of professionals in this
endeavor,” said Cole. “We are hopeful this video will benefit the
welfare and safety of horses and other large animals everywhere. It has
been widely distributed, but we want to get this into the hands of as
many emergency responders as possible. It is still available and we
encourage interested organizations to request a copy,” said Cole.
To
receive a free copy of the video, send a written request on letterhead
to Attn: Large Animal Rescue Video, USRider Equestrian Motor Plan, P.O.
Box 54711, Lexington, KY 40555. The request should indicate when the
video will be viewed and the approximate number of people who will view
it.
Funding for the
creation and distribution of this video has been provided by the USRider
Leg-Up Annual Giving Fund. This fund was created to enhance awareness of
emergency equine response issues and to offer financial assistance to
qualified, worthy organizations that provide emergency equine response.
USRider donates a portion of its profits to create the Leg-Up Fund. For
information about the USRider Leg-Up Annual Giving Fund or the USRider
Equestrian Motor Plan’s nationwide trailering assistance program, please
call 1-800-844-1409 or visit
www.usrider.org. |
Roadside Assistance for Equestrians.
