Police K-9 and EMS training event held at Camp Barnes
A police K-9 is part of an officer’s family. They often have to depend on each other during an emergency when one partner’s life is on the line. Proper training for the K-9’s partner can save its life during a crisis.
The Ocean View Police Department, in collaboration with the Delaware Emergency Management Agency, hosted an essential police canine medical training event at Camp Barnes Nov. 18. The Veterinary Tactical Group taught police officers and EMS personnel the critical skills needed to care for injured K-9s. The Tactical Canine Casualty Care Course offers hands-on training in response to the passage of Delaware Senate Bill 117, which authorizes EMS providers to administer critical medical care to injured police dogs.
The Vet Tac Group comprises former military personnel with extensive special operations K-9 and medical backgrounds. They are committed to prepare K-9 handlers with information about how to provide the correct life-saving steps in a catastrophic situation.
Nearly 50 attendees learned how to treat police dogs suffering from gunshot wounds, trauma or other serious injuries in tactical situations and hostile operational environments. A few scenarios focused on were hemorrhage control, airway management and shock treatment.
The event was coordinated by Ocean View K-9 officer Cpl. Justin Hopkins, who is a nationally recognized K-9 trainer and lead trainer for the Sussex County Municipal Police Training Consortium. State and local police agencies, along with statewide medical and fire agencies, attended the training.
“The K-9 Tactical Combat Casualty Care is an advanced course for emergency K-9 treatment,” said Hopkins. “The course is not about bruises or band-aids, but instead focuses on immediate lifesaving care to be delivered by officers and first responders. Our K-9 is a member of our family. As our family, we want to do everything in our power to ensure they remain happy and healthy. This course delivers us the tools to ensure we can preserve life when seconds and minutes matter.”
To learn more about the Vet Tac Group and the services it provides, go to vettacgroup.com.
