Firefighters undergo camel and alpaca rescue training

By Filipa Gaspar via SWNS

Fire crews have undergone training in rescuing exotic animals - including camels and alpacas.

Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service practiced their skills at Lady Chichester’s manor house in Wiltshire.

The sessions allowed the firefighters to practice their skills on the exotic animals such as camels, alpacas, miniature horses and the largest breeds of donkey.

Mark Compton, a Winchester Watch Manager, recently came across camels whilst out mountain biking in Little Durnford, Wiltshire.

He started talking to Lady Chichester, and explained his role at Winchester Fire Station and the specialist animal trained crews.

The opportunity to test their skills on a wide range of animals was then given to the team who were "grateful" when Lady Chichester invited them to visit.

Mark said: “The purpose is to get crews comfortable when working with animals and for them to put on head restraint and lead them safely which is obviously important when dealing with animals in an emergency situation.

“The staff gave us important training on how to capture and hold the animals safely without causing them distress and injury.

“It was a fantastic opportunity for Winchester animal rescue teams to expand their knowledge and understanding of animals which can be translated into good operational practice.”

Lady Chichester said that the animals were 'absolutely loved' the sessions.

She added: “All our animals were absolutely delighted in having such a bunch of friendly, fun people surrounding them and taking such an interest in them. Every animal absolutely loved that morning!

“We are happy that your firefighters were interested in familiarizing themselves with the animals and were able to look through a window into the very wide range of possibilities there are to understand and appreciate animals, the depths of their feelings, their individualism and intelligence.

“I noticed how aware and sensitive your crew were to these possibilities and that is great to see.”

HIWFRS’s team of animal rescue has celebrated 20 years of rescue response in 2024 and support for the many animal related incidents dealt with by the service.

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