Registration is now open for one of the finest annual training opportunities in the U.S. for first responders, emergency medical technicians, veterinarians, firefighters, and other emergency/rescue personnel – the Technical Large-Animal Emergency Rescue Training provided cooperatively by USRider and Eastern Kentucky University (EKU).

Two rescue training seminars have been scheduled for March 2010. The first course, scheduled for March 22-24, 2010, is open to the public, with emphasis on recruiting fire and EMT responders, veterinarians and others. This seminar will also include a separate session on HAZMAT Decontamination of Large Animals on the morning of March 25.

The HAZMAT session will cover issues related to rescuing large animals that have encountered chemical, biological or radiological contamination.

In addition to training participants, local and state emergency preparedness officials are encouraged to attend. The second large-animal rescue training seminar, scheduled for March 26-28, 2010, is reserved for EKU students. These classes fill quickly, so those interested in attending are encouraged to enroll now.

Conducted annually for the past six years, the LAR training is funded through the Large-Animal Rescue Endowment Fund, administered by USRider. Through its Leg-Up Fund, USRider has provided backing for numerous large-animal rescue initiatives, including equine ambulances and individual responder training.

For more information about the seminars and to register, contact the EKU Safety, Security & Emergency Department at 859-622-1051, e-mail beth.mccoy@eku.edu.

Contributions to the Large-Animal Rescue Endowment Fund may be sent to the Division of University Development, CPO 19A, Jones 324, Eastern Kentucky University, 521 Lancaster Ave., Richmond, KY, 40475-3102. The Development office may be reached at 859-622-1583.

USRider Equestrian Motor Plan is a nationwide member-based organization providing roadside trailering assistance, including towing and roadside repairs for tow vehicles and trailers with horses, emergency stabling, veterinary referrals and more. For more information, visit www.usrider.org or call 800-844-1409.