The Rotary First Responder App (working title) will provide emergency first‑arrival crews with simple, practical, evidence‑informed prompts and information for a dynamic risk assessment when responding to animal-related emergencies by species‑specific hazards and safer working zones, de‑escalation techniques, and a geo‑linked directory to nearest animal-specific support, such as veterinary advice and animal rescue organisations, councils, and mental‑health resources.
The app is designed for use en route or on scene, and does not replace specialist animal rescue units. It provides for an enhanced agency duty of care for first responders by improving human safety and animal welfare outcomes.
What is in place to PROTECT and ASSIST emergency first-responders with CREW SAFETY when responding to animal-related incidents?
Emergency First Responders receive training in many fields, but to date have little training provided to them to protect themselves, patients around animal-related incidents and the likely action of animals involved in the emergency.
This exposure currently has led to first responder physical trauma, emotional or psychological harm, caused by attendance at livestock truck rollovers, animal-vehicle collisions, and natural disasters all of which has exposed gaps in the duty of care to first responder safety and their wellbeing.
This app is being developed to assist emergency first arrival, first responders with their safety and protection at the scene of an incident, and to promote ethical animal welfare outcomes.
The App is not intended to position first responders to be able to rescue animals, but provide them with information on who is best placed to do so and what they can do safely until that resource is on scene.
To minimise physical, emotional and psychological trauma to First Responders
This project will minimise physical, emotional and psychological trauma to First Responders and this project will safeguard the well-being of our Emergency First Responders who protect life, property, and the environment when dealing with animals.
By strengthening psychological resilience and delivering the knowledge, skills, and tools, first responders will be better placed to act safely and responsibly, minimise injuries and ensure their personal safety.
Who are the primary beneficiaries?
The App will deliver Emergency first responders with:
- Contact numbers for veterinary and other experienced support in the local area for quick and professional advice
- When to approach an animal and when to either hold back or retreat to stabilize a situation
- Understanding when to move an animal or not, and the reasons behind the decision
- Hot, warm, and cool working zones to prevent and minimize injury to the first responder and the animal
- Safer assistance methods by knowing how to work with veterinary or Emergency responders, such as the SES
- Stress mechanisms of different species and how to understand them
- How to approach certain species to minimize stress
- Fight or flight triggers which cause animals to panic
- Understanding what to do and when, which minimizes psychological regret at a later date
- Knowing not to approach a horse straight on or from behind in the blind spot prevents frightening the animal
- Understanding livestock behavior when attending bushfire-affected areas could prevent accidents and minimise stress on livestock
- Understanding what a veterinarian is asking you to look for whilst they are talking you through retrieval
- If the incident is a combined human /animal incident, knowing how to calm the animal preventing further injury to the human patient
- Knowing that some animals will run straight back to a fire if their usual safe place is burning
- Where to go for mental and emotional assistance with professionals who understand animal responder related trauma
A Service Project of Rotary
The Rotary Club of Modbury Golden Grove will lead a Steering Committee that will act as interim custodian of the application during development. Content governance will be supported by emergency services, veterinary, animal welfare, and academic subject‑matter experts.
A National Fundraising Effort
The Rotary Club of Modbury Golden Grove will lead and coordinate a nationwide fundraising campaign to fund the app’s development—primarily through Rotary Clubs partnered with their local Bunnings BBQ initiative.
The project is a great opportunity to lift Rotary’s public profile by working alongside emergency services and engaging communities across Australia.
Public donations welcome
All donations over $2 are tax deductible in Australia
Rotary Clubs across the country are invited to assist at their local Bunnings store to run a community BBQ.
In conjunction with Bunnings Warehouse senior management, we will assist in the scheduling of a community BBQ, and work with leaders from local Rotary clubs within your District to gather volunteers to support the fundraiser.
Participating Rotary clubs can remit their contributions to the Rotary Club of Modbury Golden Grove. Each contribution will be recorded against the project ledger with the contributing club clearly identified to maintain full transparency and accountability.
App Development Fundraising Goals:
- Stage 1 - Scoping & Design $15,000
- Stage 2 - Technical Design $25,000
- Stage 3 - App Development $120,000
Amount raised so far:
$22,568
Field Testing Fundraising Goals:
- Stage 4 - Testing $25,000
- Stage 5 - Publishing $8,000
Rotary Clubs: Register your fundraiser here!
Individual Volunteers
Download the comprehensive Project Plan here
Questions from Rotary Clubs are invited by emailing treasurer@rotarymgg.org.au or by calling Alan on 0431522253.
