Bridging the gap in animal emergency response

PICTURED: A Country Fire Service volunteer comforting a dog having survived a vehicle collision (recreated digitally to protect privacy).

A Rotary-led mobile app born from frontline experience is set to transform how first responders manage animal-related emergencies, improving safety, decision-making and animal welfare outcomes worldwide.

The development of the First Responder Mobile App represents a powerful example of how lived experience, professional insight and community leadership can converge to address a critical gap in emergency response.

The concept was conceived by Rotarian Carol Frawley, whose unique background as a veterinary nurse, educator, former zookeeper and active volunteer firefighter provided first-hand exposure to the challenges faced by police, firefighters, paramedics and rescue personnel attending animal-related incidents.

Through her work on the frontline, and with the support and insights of husband Stuart, a fellow Rotarian, Firefighter and urban rescue professional, they identified a persistent issue: first responders are frequently dispatched to situations involving injured, distressed or dangerous animals without the specialist knowledge required to act safely and effectively. As highlighted in supporting correspondence, this gap can lead to increased physical risk, as well as significant emotional and psychological trauma for responders when outcomes are poor.

From this insight, Carol envisioned a practical, accessible solution – a mobile application delivering real-time, evidence-informed guidance to first responders at the point of need.

The app is designed to support dynamic risk assessment, improve decision-making, and ultimately enhance both responder safety and animal welfare outcomes. Importantly, it is not intended to replace specialist animal agencies, but to bridge the critical time gap before expert support arrives.

The Rotary Club of Modbury Golden Grove, SA, has taken on the role of project lead, transforming this concept into a structured and scalable initiative. Through Rotary’s leadership, the project has gained organisational momentum, governance support, and a pathway for national and international collaboration. This alignment reflects Rotary’s commitment to community service, innovation, and improving outcomes for both people and the environment.

The strength of the project is further reinforced by strong endorsement from across the emergency services and animal welfare sectors. In a formal letter of support, the South Australian Country Fire Service recognised the app’s potential to enhance safety awareness and provide better-informed risk management for responders facing animal-related incidents. Similarly, experienced wildlife and veterinary professionals have emphasised the app’s value in delivering critical, situation-specific information that can reduce risk and improve outcomes in complex and often unpredictable environments.

With growing support from agencies across Australia and emerging international interest, the First Responder Mobile App is evolving into a globally relevant solution. At its core, it remains a Rotary-led initiative grounded in Carol’s vision – to equip those who serve on the front line with the tools they need to act safely, confidently and compassionately when it matters most.

Rotary Clubs across Australia are invited to share in the development of the app by committing the proceeds of one Bunnings barbecue fundraiser each, or similar contribution. Public and private member donations are also welcome, although tax-deductibility is not available at this time.