MEDICINE I: DRUGS, DISEASE SURVEILLANCE, AND DISASTERS
Fig. 4. Example view of the surface area problem for horses getting into unstable ground (mud). A 1000-lb (450-kg) horse with a large hoof (#2 shoe size) would be walking on a much smaller surface area than a 200-lb (90-kg) person with a man’s size 12 US boot, making it much easier to get stuck in themud. Photos courtesy Farrier StephenMarshall.
Fig. 5. Upon arrival to the well-lit mud rescue scene in the woods, Dr. Koch planned with the owner and fire rescue personnel present to use webbing to manipulate the horse out of the mud laterally onto a tarp and then worked as a team to drag the tarp to solid ground and allowed the horse to stand there. Later, it was walked into a trailer for transport to a clinic for follow-up. Photo courtesy Wakefield FireRescueand Dr. Erica Koch.
3. Materials and Methods
Recommended Equipment for Field Rescues Basic equipment and tools will facilitate extrication of horses trapped in mud scenarios. Mud entrapment is a common emergency response for practitioners; it makes sense to be prepared.
Personal Kit
• Gloves (high dexterity) • Boots (with or without steel toe) • Protective headwear (helmet with chinstrap; Occupational Safety and Health Administration approved)
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Fig. 6. One team is encircling webbing around the horse’sabdomen and chest to create a harness for sideways drag/slide with a rope mechanical advantage system to get the animal onto a tarp, while another teamismaking a safe egress path by cutting trees and pull- ing debris out of the way to pull the tarp to solid ground. Note excel- lent scene lighting and use of personal protective equipment by most responders. Photo courtesy Wakefield Fire Rescue and Dr. Erica Koch.
• Protective goggles or glasses (especially when using air injection)