Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service (NFRS) recently returned to Northumberland College’s Kirkley Hall Campus for the third consecutive year to undertake specialist large animal and livestock recue training.
Over two days, fire crews from Berwick and Hexham created a range of realistic scenarios where they worked to develop ethical and welfare-based handling techniques with animals from the college’s teaching zoo and farm before progressing to practical exercises with a life-sized articulated horse model provided by Tyne and Wear Fire Rescue Service.
Potential situations included rescuing horses and livestock from ditches and preparing firefighters to respond safely and effectively to incidents involving large animals, highlighting their unpredictability in stressful sitations and the importance of specialist skills and equipment.
Through its close partnership with NFRS, Northuumberland College has enhanced the programme by contributing specialist knowledge and practical expertise in equine and livestock behaviour and handling.
Karen Bell, Associate Principal for Land Based at Kirkley Hall, said: “We were delighted to host Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service once again at Kirkley Hall Campus for the third year of this important specialist training programme, which plays a key role in enhancing emergency response capabilities throughout the county.
“With its outstanding facilities, open spaces, and expert staff, our sector-leading campus is the ideal environment for professionals from other sectors and industries to develop their technical skills in the movement, handling, and management of livestock and other animals.”
While the public often assume fire and rescue services are fully equipped to manage such incidents, dedicated training is essential to ensure both animal welfare and firefighter safety.
As well as Northumberland College, NFRS also works in partnership with veterinary experts from Scott-Mitchell Vets, Trading Standards, and animal welfare organisations to ensure best practice and continually refine situational awareness, animal handling techniques and rescue tactics.
Keith Cowell, Watch Manager for Training at NFRS, said: “This excellent collaboration has developed over three years to be a professional exchange of ideas to address potentially dangerous incidents safely. Kirkley Hall is a welcoming, ideal base with brilliant facilities, knowledgeable instructors and, importantly, real animals so that crews can build confidence while honing trust in rescue techniques.”
The annual training demonstrates the ongoing commitment of organisations working together to strengthen partnerships and benefit communities across Northumberland.
We are the largest further education provider in Northumberland with campuses throughout the county.
Our student transport scheme is available for eligible students to make getting to and from college as easy as possible.
Our extensive re-development programme will create outstanding new facilities.
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Northumberland College is celebrating a major milestone in the development of its transformational new Ashington Campus.
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Northumberland College’s zoo, at Kirkley Hall Campus, has been awarded the prestigious Green Tourism accreditation.
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