traileraccident803

Members of the Coastal LART Team, Charleston County Vol. Rescue Squad and Charleston Fire Dept responded for extrication. While en route Dr. Shambley was requested to respond to assist the Emergency Responders. After the accident the back door was open and two of horses exited the trailer. The center gate held the two remaining horses in the trailer, due to the violent outbursts it was decided the damaged gate needed to be removed for the safety of the third and the fourth horse. Using a hydraulic rescue cutter, between the horse's bursts of rage to escape, the gate was cut away. Once the gate was removed the third horse (Steel) exited quickly on his own. The owners gave the trapped horse a sedative (Dormsedan and Acepromazine) IM, it was somewhat effective. Upon arrival of LART Team members, the largest and last trapped horse (Jessie James) was evaluated as to best route to remove him. Jessie had his head in a small space created from the collapse of the front of the trailer. Cuts were made to the center divider and outside walls and a Hydraulic Rescue Ram was used to open up the space, giving access to Jessie's head. After conferring with the Vet, it was decided to remove the trailer from the horse and slide him out the back. A LART Team member entered via the hole created in the roof by the rear two horses and laid on the horse's neck and head. Head protection with ear plugs and leg protection were applied as well as a long lead rope (20 feet). The horse's legs were hung up in the manger by his shoes, it was decided to leave them there until he was ready to be moved. Dr. Shambley injected additional sedative IV (Dormsedan and Xylazine [Rompun]). The roof was removed, using 3 hydraulic cutters, from the trailer and flapped over, the curved up rights were removed so that the horse would not be cut while being removed. The floor mats were removed from the floor and placed on the sides and cutaway roof. Next, LART team members and the Vet placed a strap under the horse's rear, two people lifted him by his tail (only a little) and the mineral oil soaked strap was see-sawed under him. The strap was placed over the horse's back with the eyelets extended between his rear legs (just like we learned in class!). A winch from a SHEP truck was used to pull the horse from the trailer. A four inch pulley, via a short rope was attached to an EMS unit in the opposite lane of traffic. The pulley was used as a change of direction to pull Jessie away from the trailer as he was pulled out. The bottom side of a horsey SKED was placed under the rear of the horse and mineral oil was applied to help him slide better. Than Dr. Shambley and a LART Team member disentangled the legs and exited the trailer. Jessie traveled about fifteen feet until his rear was on the grass and he decided to stand up. He emerged with no cuts, scrapes or visible bruises. The other three were treated on-scene for cut and scraps. One horse (Steel) required stitches to his front right leg. (Photos by Bill Murton, Chasn PD)