The simulated rescues were exciting and fun, but what really mattered was learning knowledge and skills that could be crucial in a real emergency. | Photo: Anne M. Eberhardt/The Horse

By Claudia Sarti, CVT

I love my job working for the Massachusetts Department of Public Health as a field research analyst in zoonotic diseases. I recently attended–in my capacity as certified veterinary technician (CVT)–a three-day seminar at the Forget-Me-Not Farm in Tinmouth, Vt., on the rescue of large animals in disaster situations. The seminar was presented by Drs. Tomas and Rebecca Gimenez of Clemson University in South Carolina, in association with the Rutland Area Humane Society. It was designed for the benefit of horse owners, fire departments, animal rescue personnel, veterinary technicians, and other interested parties.

We listened intently during the slide show and presentation on the equipment and methods used in an emergency, as well as the dos-and-don’ts of large animal rescue, and if necessary, how to humanely euthanize a critically injured animal. Later, participants went outdoors for live rescue demonstrations. With the assistance of the Gimenez team, my partner and I were able to draw some interesting parallels between large animal emergency preparedness and human public health emergency preparedness–particularly the impact on disease control. With that food for thought, we have been able to help pilot new networks between state agencies dealing with human health and services and animal health and resources