NEW GLOUCESTER – The Equestrian Center at Pineland Farms will host a technical large animal emergency rescue training event Wednesday through Friday, July 16 to 18.

Emergency personnel (firefighters, police officers, other first responders), veterinarians, animal control officers and large animal owners from across Maine and New England will gather at the facility for three days to learn state-of-the-art techniques for the emergency rescue of large animals.

Dr. Tomas Gimenez and Dr. Rebecca Gimenez, national leaders in the field of technical large animal emergency rescue, will teach participants life-saving strategies for downed horses, cows, llamas and other large animals likely to be encountered in New England.

Trainees will receive classroom instruction and hands-on experience with the help of live, large animal “instructors,” who are trained to participate in the unique exercises.

The emergency rescue training is being offered at Pineland Farms as part of its community outreach effort. Michelle Melaragno, Pineland Farms barn manager, said, “Through this course, we are providing the proper individuals with an education that benefits our communities with this much needed service. We are fortunate to have attracted national experts in the field of large animal emergency rescue for this program. We are aware of several large animal emergency rescues over the years, and the number of incidents is rising with the increased population of horses in Maine.”

She said, “This extensive training program will provide emergency responders and veterinarians with the skills to achieve a better outcome for all animals and people involved. Given the rural character of Maine, it is often difficult to reach appropriately trained personnel when needed for such emergencies. We hope to offer this course on a regular basis in order to eventually provide all areas of Maine with personnel trained to act safely and efficiently in large animal rescues.”

The course will teach proper techniques and equipment use for the safe rescue of large animals from life threatening situations: mud and water extrication, overturned trailers, structure fires, search and rescue. An important part of the training focuses on the critical relationship between a licensed veterinarian and the emergency personnel at the scene of an animal in distress.

The Drs. Gimenez will travel to Maine accompanied by two horses and a llama who have been trained from birth to serve as actors in the role play scenarios. First responders and emergency personnel from as far away as Washington County, along with veterinarians and Maine Emergency Management Association staff have registered for the course. Class size is limited; however, the training may also be audited.

Businesses or individuals may wish to sponsor a veterinarian or emergency personnel to bring education and training to a community. For more information or to register for the training, contact Melaragno at [email protected] or call 657-6419.