The Crawford County Fairgrounds was the site for Operational Large Animal Rescue Training for the western Pennsylvania region. Participants included the West Mead II Fire Station as well as County Animal Response Teams from Crawford, Venango and Dauphin. It took place Saturday June 9 th from 9 am to 5 pm, and Sunday June 10 th from 8 am to 4:30 pm. This two-day seminar was presented by faculty/staff from Penn State University, College of Agricultural Science. It provided CART members with valuable classroom training and hands-on experience.

The goal of this course is: “To teach First Responders to work together to effectively and safely control and manage emergencies involving farm livestock, and other large animals”. CART is considered a First Responder, along with, Fire/Rescue, EMS, Police, etc. Instructors stressed personal safety as the #1 concern during a rescue. The value of the rescue must be weighed against the risk to human safety. Teamwork among all groups of First Responders is very important, and helps to make the scene safer.

Saturday began with an introduction by Davis Hill, Senior Extension Associate in the Department of Agriculture and Biological Engineering. Mr. Hill has expertise in managing agricultural emergencies. He stressed the importance of balancing the value of the animal and the risk to personal safety when considering the rescue situation. Mr. Hill also pointed out the need to get to know the members of the local fire departments and other First Responders. Without prior interaction, it will be very difficult to work together in an emergency. There needs to be mutual respect and teamwork that can only develop over time by practicing together.