Chillán: Veterinaria UdeC offers training on rescue and rehabilitation of animals and wildlife

Volunteers from the Chillán Fire Department, volunteers from the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center-UdeC and academics.

This is how Luis Seguel, second commander of the Fire Department, stated that, “for us as an institution, these are important trainings since, in general, these topics are not included in the formal teaching curriculum, there is only fire control and life support for people. However, for approximately 3 years we have begun to train ourselves in handling and rescuing small and large animals, since this is an area where it is very common for horses or sheep to fall into wells”.

D2e fact, we attend about 60-70 calls annually, which are dedicated 100% to animal rescue, out of a universe of 1,200 on average per year, so today the fire department no longer only attends to emergencies due to fire, rescue or hazardous materials, but we also rescue animals,” he added.

Who also valued the instance was the veterinary doctor and academic of the Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Dr Alan Labra. “I come to train, because I want to be a first responder and that is the idea, that each person who participates in these emergency and disaster courses be trained to be a first responder in a major situation, which is something that happens in a country as vulnerable as our”.

The interns who came to Veterinaria UdeC from Mexico, Luis Solis Y Danielle Reyes highlighted the topics addressed. “I have previously been in some other training of this style and this one has been very dynamic. I liked the practical part with the bird that they brought, to get to know it and see its behavior, so it has been very interesting,” said Luis Solís, while Daniela Reyes added that “many times it is obvious that animals are to a certain extent responsibility of each one of us, because we are increasingly covering more spaces where they usually lived, so it is crucial to train as first responders, “he said.

Among the training courses developed, the Violet Barriera veterinary doctor from the University of Chile, who delved into the management of rescue and rehabilitation of wildlife in disaster situations.

“We touch on the subject of terrestrial fauna and marine fauna adjusted to the local reality and everything that has happened in recent years in this area. The important thing is to be permanently updated in both physical and chemical containment techniques for animals; many times we have to use anesthesia as a series of things and work with wild birds, reptiles or mammals and that contributes to the stress of the animal, so the first focus for us is always animal welfare, ”he mentioned.

Finally, the Dr. Paula Aravenaacademic and director of the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of the University of Concepción, referred to the importance of the correct transfer and maintenance of wildlife and valued the development of this instance.

“Participating in the training of Firefighters and our future veterinary doctors in rescue and primary care of fauna in disaster situations is essential for multidisciplinary and collaborative work. In many cases, those who try to help animals on the front line do not have adequate medical knowledge, and can inflict greater harm. I believe that these instances are extremely valuable and we will work so that the bonds created are strengthened, so that, in disaster situations, the rescue is as safe for the animal as it is for people”, he concluded.