Even with the best preventive measures, barn fires do happen, so it's important that veterinarians are ready to manage patients during and after a blaze--a well-thought-out approach to triage can save horses' lives. | Photo: Photos.com

A barn engulfed in flames, terrified whinnies coming from within the burning structure. Few scenarios are more frightening to owners of stable-kept horses. Veterinarians, with their regular trips to the barn, are in a unique position to advise horse owners on fire prevention. However, even with the best preventive measures, barn fires do happen, so it’s important that veterinarians are ready to manage patients during and after a blaze–a well-thought-out approach to triage can save horses’ lives.

At the 2012 American Association of Equine Practitioners convention, held Dec. 1-5 in Anaheim, Calif., Emma Adam, BVetMed, Dipl. ACVIM, ACVS, an equine practitioner currently performing research at the University of Kentucky’ Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center, reviewed the veterinarian’s role in handling barn fires.

Before Fire Strikes

Although it’s impossible to eliminate any possibility of a barn fire, Adam said encouraging clients to “fireproof” their barns can not only decrease the likelihood of a devastating fire igniting but also can reduce insurance premiums by 5 to 10%