Canine Search Specialist Training

1. Canine Search Specialist Training Unit 12: Canine First Aid

2. Unit Objective Upon completion of this unit, you will be able to demonstrate the physical assessment and stabilization of an injured or ill canine

3. Enabling Objectives • Perform the primary and secondary medical assessment of the canine • Evaluate that assessment even to decide on euthanasia • Implement stabilization or transportation of the canine

5. Preventative Care • Maintain normal feeding during missions • Know what your dog’s normal reaction is to stress • The dog must be kept in top physical condition

6. Preventative Care (continued) • Current vaccinations: DHP-PV, rabies, Bordetella, with optional Leptospirosis • Preventative heartworm care - daily, monthly • Routine fecal checks, and needed treatments

7. Knowing Your Canine The disaster canine has all requirements intensified • More possibilities of risk • More stress responses • Different mechanisms of injury

8. Acclimatization • Be aware of climatic conditions • Train in different climates • Minimum three-day supply of food and water • First aid kit and medications • Canine safety equipment

9. Natural Canine Environment

10. Environment Canine Needs To Work In

11. Food and Canine Safety Equipment

12. Dangerous Equipment

13. Stress Responses And you said I was your best friend?!

15. Many Possibilities For Injury

16. Anatomy • Nose to tail • Head • Neck • Thorax • Front legs • Abdomen • Hind limbs • Tail

17. Canine Assessment • Primary • ABCs • Secondary • Head to toe • Nose to tail

18. Primary Assessments (ABCs) • Airway • Check nostrils to back of throat • Pull tongue to help open back of throat, and therefore, the airway

19. Primary Assessment • Breathing • Is canine breathing? • Check quantity and quality of respiration • Check motion of chest wall • Cyanosis? • Rescue breathing

20. Primary Assessment • Circulation • Check for bleeding

22. Primary Assessment • Consciousness • Determine level of consciousness • Is dog alert or responsive? • Apprehension • Aware of surroundings? • Pain stimuli responsiveness?

23. Secondary Assessment • History • What happened? How long ago? • How did dog behave before injury or after injury? • Mechanism of injury? • Know your dog • Previous history or problems?

24. Secondary Assessment (continued) • Complete physical examination • Head to tail • Re-evaluate “corrected” problems from primary assessment • Ongoing assessment

25. Outcomes • Minor injuries • Dog can be treated and returned to work • Less serious injuries or illness? • Can dog be stabilized with rest, fluids, fasting, and so on? • Serious injury or illness? • Stabilize and transport

26. Outcomes (continued) • Devastating fatal illness or injury? • Outcome depends on facilities and location • Euthanasia • Recognize this possibility • The decision is YOURS • Prepare yourself and support teammates

27. Hands-On Application • Muzzling

30. Lateral Recumbent

31. Bandaging • Bandaging principles • Apply even pressure • Bandaging paws • Keeping bandage in place • Bandaging • Ears • Tail • Abdomen

32. Pressure Bandage

33. Treatment of Wounds Contaminated wounds • Flush with saline and water until clean • Flush with iodophor (Betadine®) solution • If wound is gaping use stapler, tape, or suture to pull edges together • Bandage • Follow-up treatment at vet’s

34. Roles in Task Force • Handler’s Responsibilities • Know your dog • Know assessment and first aid • Know restraints and holds • Know when to treat • Know when to euthanize • Be there to help fellow handlers

35. Roles in Task Force (continued) • Veterinarian’s and paramedic’s responsibilities • Administer anesthesia, IV fluids, and drugs • Treat with antibiotics, steroids • Perform surgery

36. Roles in Task Force (continued) • Veterinarian’s and paramedic’s responsibilities • Continue to monitor therapy and case progress • Advise on canine’s medical status

37. Unit Summary • Perform the primary and secondary medical assessment of the canine • Evaluate that assessment even to decide on euthanasia • Implement stabilization or transportation of the canine