Your team is on a woodland operation with a canine in the lead. Suddenly you hear a loud yelp from the dog, followed by a call from the handler: "Snakebite-canine down!" Are you prepared?

     Routinely, dogs are used during high-risk events such as executing search warrants, dealing with barricaded subjects and taking down fleeing criminals. They are subjected to the same threats as their human partners. These working dogs deserve the same level of medical care that's provided by tactical medics to humans.

     A group of tactical paramedics from Greensboro, NC, has included the care and treatment of working dogs among its tactical training. This additional responsibility is overseen by a local veterinarian, Dr. Karen Kennedy, and training assistance is provided by Dr. Rita McGinnis, both of Guilford-Jamestown Veterinary Hospital. A set of ALS treatment protocols have been established for the dogs. These include treatments for gastric torsion (bloat), cardiac arrest, ingestion of poisons, trauma, environmental emergencies and more. Medics receive yearly updates, along with hands-on training. Instruction has come from such sources as the University of Florida and Guilford Technical Community College's tactical EMS course, with ongoing training from Guilford-Jamestown Veterinary.

     The nine members of the Guilford County Emergency Medical Services SERT Medics have taken on the task of teaching and training local law enforcement canine handlers in emergency treatment of their partners if the dogs become sick or injured. This type of care is greatly appreciated by handlers: These working dogs are invaluable assets to their departments and very costly not only in dollars, but also as objects of emotional attachment.

     The project was started about nine years ago, and after a lot of research, training and logistical issues, it has developed into a part of Guilford County tactical medics' required training. There has been a lot of interest locally from other tactical teams, USAR medics and canine handlers. A yearly class is offered at the local community college, and other classes have been scheduled on an as-needed basis. All participating medics are experienced providers with Guilford County EMS and work closely with the Guilford County Sheriffs Department and other city agencies. They carry gear specific to the treatment of the canines (some of which is pictured).

     In a multiple-patient incident, care of the canine is considered, but humans receive priority treatment. If only the dog is injured, the tactical medics are responsible for its care and transport. Phone numbers of emergency vets and 24-hour emergency centers are kept among the dog-care gear. As with human medicine and hospitals, different vets are suited to handling different things, and knowing each vet's strengths and limitations prevents taking injured animals to the wrong place.

     Other agencies have modeled their programs after the GCEMS program. The class presented by the Guilford County medics includes canine intubation, decompressing gastric torsion, establishing IVs, medication administration, needle thorocotomy and other advanced treatments. Also included is handling the dog if the handler goes down, and equipment is provided to do so. From training, the dog will protect its "master". This can make dealing with the dog a hazard for others and necessitate the use of techniques that won't harm it.

     Despite advances in tactical technology, the use of working dogs remains common. These canines work hard to serve the cause of public safety, and their medical care is the responsibility of the team.

This article was prepared by personnel from Guilford County Emergency Services' tactical paramedics/EMS SERT team in Greensboro, NC. For more information, contact Kerry Cross, 336/641-7565, fax 336/641-7698, e-mail Kerry.Cross@guilford-es.com.