Aggressive Behaviour

Aim To make students aware of the expected behaviour of animals in fire and rescue situations and how best to deal with them and to provide information that will allow them to deal with situations involving aggressive behaviour of people, proficiently and safely.

Learning Outcome Recognise the visual signs displayed by someone who is becoming aggressive State the actions to be taken to prevent violence occurring List the support available for victims of violence continued… At the end of the session students will be able to:

Describe the various situations in which they may be called upon to assist with animals The associated hazards when attending incidents where animals are present.

Human aggression.

Signs to look for When threatened the body responds in a complex and specific manner The term used to describe the host of chemical and physical changes that occur is the ‘fight or flight’ syndrome.

Bodily changes The effects of adrenaline; Breathing rate Heart rate Natural chemical release Muscles Skin Eyes.

Signs to look for Staring eyes Changes in skin colour Increase in breathing rate Tensed muscles Clenched teeth Tight lips.

Things to do Be calm Communicate in the right way Be aware of your surroundings.

How to appear calm Back away- give more space Reduce your height and relax posture Place your head on one side Maintain eye contact - but DO NOT stare Smile in an understanding way Drop and extend your arms Lower the tone of your voice Move slowly.

Communicating Speak clearly and concisely Check understanding - don’t assume Talk to Express rather than Impress Do not shout Try and answer questions Do not cover too many points at the same time.

Controlling measures Break issues into components Offer alternatives Don't let the person expect too much Present both sides of the argument Use facts rather than guesses Delayed compliance - "Just bear with me" Avoid making the other person lose face Thank the person for their help.

Post incident Coming to terms with it;  Could I have avoided it  Should I have done anything else.

Victims needs Injuries to be dealt with Opportunity to verbalise fears To write the incident down To be with someone understanding Have a chance to explore the issues Readily available support.

Three line of defence (1) Members of the workforce are trained to offer immediate understanding and support.

Three line of defence (2) Details of the incident Physical health Psychological state. All people involved in incidents are seen by an appropriate member of management who take note of;

Three line of defence (3) Specialist support is offered where appropriate.

Animal behaviour.

Introduction The rescue of animals is a common Fire Service activity, often testing the firefighters ingenuity to its fullest extent Animals of all shapes and sizes manage to get themselves into all manner of predicaments from which the firefighter is called to rescue them.

Introduction The frightened animal (sometimes weighing in excess of a tonne) is far less predictable than fire, and equipped with powerful muscles Its humour is seldom improved by the arrival of the Fire Brigade.

Animal behaviour Most animals display little gratitude once the rescue is completed The firefighter is more likely to be kicked once the animal reaches safe ground than during the intricate stages of the rescue.

Types of animal Calls to assist in the rescue of animals ranging from hamsters to cats and giraffes to elephants Brigades with a rural area are regularly called to incidents involving large farm animals eg. cattle, horses, pigs, sheep etc.

Injuries Scratches Bites Kicks and butts Impalement and crushing. Animal rescues pose a wide range of injury potential through physical contact, including;

Injuries It is important that any potential ‘kick zone’ is cordoned off and the movement of personnel in this area strictly controlled Personnel must maintain a constant awareness of the animals position and reaction to rescue efforts.

Microbiological organisms There is a serious health risk to personnel from the transmission of infectious diseases (zoonoses) These are passed through direct contact with animals, alive or dead, and animal waste Consideration must be given to the wearing of dustmasks and goggles to reduce the danger of infection.

Animal rescue Collapsed buildings Machinery, grids Wells, holes, ditches or pits Animal rescues often occur in difficult locations and conditions, including;

Animal rescue Water (static, running, tidal) Underground, eg. pipes, sewers, tunnels or animal holes. Mud, slurry, grains, powder

Initial actions The condition of the animal Urgency of action Need for a vet or RSPCA Terrain involved Access to the incident. Initial assessment of the incident should include;

Initial actions Method of rescue to be employed Equipment required Hygiene considerations.

Other considerations If the Equipment Support Unit is to be used with the animal slings, the siting of this appliance will also require careful consideration.

Release of animal An area should be prepared including a safe path for the animal on release Crew safety is paramount during release or de-stropping It must not be forgotten that many animals will ‘blame’ the fire crew for their predicament.

Incident hygiene Avoid mouth to mouth resuscitation of new born animals Wash injuries immediately and cover with a waterproof dressing Cover existing cuts and abrasions with waterproof dressings before starting work. Where there is a possibility of contact with animals or their products precautions should be taken;

Incident hygiene Only drink clean water out of clean containers Use face protection if any risk of splashing from urine or placental fluids. Wash hands and exposed skin before drinking, eating or smoking

Incident hygiene Symptoms of poor health following contact with animals should be referred for medical advice. Obvious severe injuries, any animal bites and bio/toxic contamination should be referred to hospital

Confirmation Assessment will be based on this lesson and the corresponding study note Learning Outcomes Recognise the visual signs displayed by someone who is becoming aggressive State the actions to be taken to prevent violence occurring List the support available for victims of violence continued…

Describe the various situations in which they may be called upon to assist with animals The associated hazards when attending incidents where animals are present.

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