Los Angeles County, Equine Response Team Training

You are invited to the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control Equine Response Team (LACDACCERT).

Volunteer and Incident Command System Orientation, Saturday, March 12th, 2005, 9:00 am to 12:00 noon, Animal Control (LACDACC) Administrative Headquarters, 5898 Cherry Ave, Long Beach.

The LACDACC Equine Response Team is a volunteer organization that augments the resources of the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care Control. Its purpose is to assist with the safe evacuation of livestock during large and small-scale disasters. The group also works to educate horse owners on disaster preparedness.

The LACDACCERT is looking for experienced horse/livestock people to join our team.

The Volunteer and Incident Command System Orientation is the first class in the LACDACCERT Training Course. This class will familiarize volunteers with the purpose, scope, structure and function of the Equine Response Team. Orientation will also cover the 3 levels of training, the Incident Command System as outlined by SEMS, and the LACDACCERT duties and responsibilities as outlined in the Policy and Procedures Manual.

The LACDACCERT Training Course, Levels 1 through 3, requires 10 to 40+ hours of training. Classes are held in the evenings and on weekends. Personal medical and vehicle insurance are a requirement for participation in this group.

The LACDACCERT Training Course consists of the following Class Requirements:

Level 1- Volunteers who satisfactorily complete this level will be eligible to assist with communications and documentation. Level 1 Requirements include: Completion of all application forms, and the following classes: Volunteer and Incident Command System Orientation (3 hours), Documentation and Identification (2 hours), Fire Safety (2 hours), Disaster Psychology (2 hours).

Level 2- Volunteers who satisfactorily complete Level 2 will be eligible to assist with the animals at the Sheltering Site. Level 2 Requirements include: Satisfactory completion of Level 1 and the following additional training: Certified First Aid & CPR (8 hours) (current First Aid & CPR Cards are accepted), Equine First Aid and Psychology (6 hours), Radio Operations (2 hours), Horse Handling and Control (4 hours).

Level 3- Volunteers who satisfactorily complete the Level 3 classes will be eligible to work on a Trailer Team assisting in evacuations. Qualified members may drive their own trailers. Level 3 Requirements include: Satisfactory completion of Level 1 and 2, and the following additional training: Trailer Loading Techniques (6 hours), Wildfire Scenarios and Safety (6 hours), Tow Vehicle and Trailer Class (6 hours - Required for Level 3 Trailer Drivers, optional for Trailer Team members).

Specialty Classes- Incident Management Training, HAM Radio Operation Skills, Sheltering Site Management Class, Point Vehicle Class and Training Drills.

Application Forms will be available at the March 12th Orientation Class. You will be required to present medical and vehicle insurance information (required for membership in this group) and personal reference and emergency contact information.

Directions to LACDACC Administrative Headquarters: 5898 Cherry Ave, Long Beach CA 90805. (Corner of Cherry Ave and South Street) Take the 91 Freeway; off on the Cherry Ave. Go south approximately 1 mile, just before the South Street intersection. The Administrative Headquarters building is on the left hand side and shares the parking lot with McDonald’s and Food for Less. (Thomas Guide Page 765, G-1).

For further information, contact: Mary Lukins, (818) 991 8065, mlukins@co.la.ca.us.