Emergency Response Protocol for Livestock Operations

Purpose

This protocol provides clear, step-by-step procedures for responding to emergencies during livestock handling operations. Post this document (or a summary version) at all working facilities and ensure all workers are trained on these procedures.

Emergency Contact Information

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Additional Emergency Numbers

STOP, SECURE, SIGNAL Protocol

STOP

• Stop the operation immediately
• Stop animal movement if safe to do so
• Stop others from entering danger area

SECURE

• Secure your own safety first
• Secure the injured person from further harm
• Secure animals (contain, remove, or release as appropriate)
• Secure the scene from additional hazards

SIGNAL

• Signal for help (call 911 if needed)
• Signal others at the operation
• Signal emergency services with clear directions

Injury Response Procedures

Any Serious Injury

• [ ] Where is the animal that caused the injury?
• [ ] Is the animal contained or still a threat?
• [ ] Do NOT approach until safe
• [ ] If animal is restrained, release only if safe
• [ ] If animal cannot be contained, move injured person
• [ ] Are they breathing?
• [ ] Is there severe bleeding?
• [ ] Provide: location, nature of injury, number injured, your callback number
• [ ] Stay on line if instructed
• [ ] Do NOT move if spine injury suspected
• [ ] Keep person warm and calm
• [ ] Do NOT give food or water
• [ ] Open gates as needed
• [ ] Provide clear directions

Specific Emergency Procedures

Crush/Pinning Injury

If person is still pinned: Call for immediate help. If possible, drive the animal away without causing more pressure on the victim. Do NOT leave the victim alone.

Once freed: Do NOT let them stand immediately. Watch for signs of shock and call 911 for any significant pinning.

Watch for delayed symptoms: swelling, difficulty breathing, and rapid deterioration. These can develop hours after the initial injury.

Kick Injury

Head/neck kick: Stabilize head and neck, call 911, monitor consciousness, and control bleeding. Do not apply pressure to a suspected skull fracture.

Chest/abdomen kick: Place the person in a position of comfort (usually semi-reclined), watch for signs of internal bleeding, and monitor for shock.

Limb kick: Immobilize if a fracture is suspected, apply a cold pack, and seek medical attention.

Trampling Injury

Remove the person from the danger area if it's safe to do so. Assume multiple injuries. Call 911 and assess for bleeding, fractures, and head injury. Monitor the person closely because their condition can deteriorate quickly.

Goring/Penetrating Injury

Call 911 immediately. Do NOT remove any impaled object. Stabilize the impaled object in place and control bleeding around (not in) the wound. Treat for shock and do NOT give food or water.

Severe Bleeding

Direct pressure: Apply firm, constant pressure. Do NOT lift the cloth to check. If blood soaks through, add more cloth on top. Maintain pressure for 10 or more minutes.

If bleeding doesn't stop: Apply a pressure dressing. For limbs with life-threatening bleeding, consider a tourniquet.

Tourniquet use: Tighten until bleeding stops. Note the time you applied it. Do NOT remove it; leave that for EMS.

Unconscious Person

If breathing: Do not move them unless they are in danger. If you must move them and no spine injury is suspected, place them in the recovery position. Monitor breathing continuously and call 911.

If not breathing: Begin CPR if trained. Use an AED if one is available. Continue until EMS arrives or the person recovers.

Non-Injury Emergencies

Aggressive Animal Situation

Get all people to safety first. Try to distract the animal from outside the pen, open escape routes, and use noise or objects to redirect the animal. Call for help and have emergency services on standby.

Equipment Failure

If a person is trapped, stabilize the equipment if possible and call for help. Consider whether cutting tools are available. Call 911 if injury is occurring or imminent.

Fire

Alert everyone in the area and call 911. Evacuate people first, then release animals if it's safe to do so. Use a fire extinguisher only on small fires. Establish a meeting point and account for all personnel.

Medical Emergency (Heart Attack, Stroke, etc.)

Heart attack signs: pain in arm, neck, or jaw; shortness of breath; cold sweat.

Stroke signs (FAST): Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call 911.

Call 911 immediately. Keep the person calm and still. Give aspirin if a heart attack is suspected and the person has no allergy. Do NOT drive them yourself; wait for the ambulance. Be prepared for CPR.

Communication During Emergencies

Alerting Others

Use whatever is fastest: radio, cell phone, whistle (emergency pattern is 3 long blasts), shouting, or vehicle horn (repeated long blasts).

Information to Communicate

To people on site: the type of emergency, number of people involved, and what help is needed.

To 911: the nature of the emergency, number of injured, current condition, hazards present (animals, equipment), and your phone number.

Post-Emergency Procedures

Immediate (Same Day)

• [ ] Ensure all personnel accounted for
• [ ] Document what happened
• [ ] Preserve the scene if possible
• [ ] Notify owner/manager if not already aware
• [ ] Notify family of injured
• [ ] Support affected workers

Within 24 Hours

• [ ] Complete incident report
• [ ] Review what led to the emergency
• [ ] Identify what went well/poorly in response
• [ ] Begin corrective action planning

Within 1 Week

• [ ] Full incident investigation
• [ ] Implement corrective actions
• [ ] Update procedures if needed
• [ ] Debrief with all involved
• [ ] Update emergency plans if gaps identified

First Aid Kit Locations

Emergency Assembly Points

Roles and Responsibilities

First Responder (First Person on Scene)

• Assess scene safety
• Call for help
• Begin first aid if trained
• Guide others to scene

Communicator (If Available)

• Call 911
• Contact management
• Notify others on property
• Meet emergency vehicles

Animal Manager (If Available)

• Contain/remove animals from area
• Secure gates
• Prevent further animal involvement

Traffic/Access Control (If Available)

• Open gates for emergency vehicles
• Direct traffic
• Keep onlookers away

Training Requirements

All workers should know emergency contact numbers, first aid kit locations, the property address for 911, basic first aid for bleeding control, and how to call for help using available communication methods.

Recommended additional training includes Stop the Bleed certification and AED training if an AED is on the property.

Quick Reference Card

``` EMERGENCY QUICK REFERENCE

911 INFORMATION: Address: ________________________ GPS: ___________________________ Gate Code: _____________________

REMEMBER:

• STOP - Stop the operation
• SECURE - Secure yourself, victim, animals
• SIGNAL - Call for help

UNCONSCIOUS: Don't move unless in danger Call 911 Start CPR if not breathing

First Aid Kit: ________________ ```

Review and Updates

• Last review date: ____________
• Reviewed by: ________________
• Next review date: ____________
• [ ] Training needed for: _________________