Bushfire preparedness for Veterinarians in practice in VIC
05 Dec 2024A comprehensive article on preparing veterinary practices for natural emergencies was shared in last week’s national newsletter. This article provides a summary of this information, along with links to specific resources for your state.
This article contains information about emergencies and disasters. If you need support please contact the AVA 1300 687 327 or Lifeline 13 11 14
1. Prepare Your Practice: Develop a comprehensive bushfire plan using the AIDR Planning for Animals in Disaster Handbook that includes:
- shelter-in-place contingencies
- evacuation procedures including triggers to evacuate
- safeguarding medical supplies and critical records
- support for the team during and after the bushfire, and
- establishing communication channels with clients.
2. Educate and Engage Clients: Before and during bushfire season in your location, actively encourage the veterinary team and clients to incorporate their animals into their household bushfire preparedness plans and kits. Offer resources and guidance on where to find alerts and warnings, essential supplies, transportation, and temporary housing options for animals during evacuations.
3. Bushfire-Specific First Aid: Ensure your practice has the necessary resources and training to handle bushfire-related animal injuries, such as burns, smoke inhalation, and heat stress. Maintain a well-stocked first aid burns kit and establish a clear triage system to prioritise critical cases. Consider referral to other veterinary practices as needed.
4. Community Collaboration: Foster strong relationships with local emergency management agencies, animal welfare organisations, and neighbouring veterinary clinics to facilitate coordinated efforts before, during and after a bushfire. Participate in community preparedness events and exercises. Get in touch with your local emergency services to facilitate this.
5. Mental Health Awareness: Acknowledge the potential mental health impacts of bushfires on veterinary professionals and personnel, animals and their owners. Offer guidance and avenues for support to personnel and clients coping with animal loss, trauma, or anxiety.
6. Recovery and Rehabilitation: Prepare for the post-bushfire recovery phase, including managing displaced animals, providing continued care for injured animals, and addressing potential long-term health concerns.
- With thanks to Erica Honey MBAMHRM MEmergMgt BSc (Hons) GradCertPDev RVN
Victoria Resources
Agriculture Victoria: Pets and Emergencies:
https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/livestock-and-animals/animal-welfare-victoria/pets-and-emergencies
Wildlife Victoria:
https://www.wildlifevictoria.org.au/
National and Global Resources
Australian Veterinary Association Preparing for an emergency:
https://www.ava.com.au/policy-advocacy/natural-disasters/Preparing-for-an-emergency/
AEIMN ANZ Stakeholders working together to improve Animal Emergency Management across Australia and New Zealand:
DAFF and WPA: National Planning Principles for Animals in Disasters, use in conjunction with the AIDR planning handbook:
Global Animal Disaster Management Conference YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GADMConf
IFAW create an emergency plan for your animals: https://www.ifaw.org/au/journal/emergency-plan-animals
Vets Beyond Borders, volunteer in emergencies: https://vetsbeyondborders.org/program/avert/
WIRES:
https://www.wires.org.au/emergency-response-and-recovery-plan
Wildlife Health Australia:
https://wildlifehealthaustralia.com.au/Our-Work/Emergencies