Firefighters receive specialist training in animal handling

Firefighters from Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service have been receiving specialist training in animal handling from experts at Nottingham Trent University.

The firefighters, from the services Specialist Rescue Team, have been recognised for meeting the national standards and qualifications for dealing with animal rescue situations.Now they have linked up with staff at the universitys School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences to further their knowledge and training in this area.

A two day training programme at the universitys Brackenhurst campus involved sessions on equine psychology and behaviour, the use of basic handling equipment such as head collars and bridles equine restraint techniques and basic equine anatomy and first aid.

The firefighters also learned about sheep and cattle handling and herding, and reptile, dog and cat behaviour and handling.