1. 1 National Urban Search & Rescue Response System Canine Search Specialist Training Canine Search Specialist Training Unit 12: Canine First Aid

2. 2 National Urban Search & Rescue Response System Canine Search Specialist Training 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. 3 National Urban Search & Rescue Response System Canine Search Specialist Training 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

4. 4 National Urban Search & Rescue Response System Canine Search Specialist Training

5. 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. 6 National Urban Search & Rescue Response System Canine Search Specialist Training Preventative Care (continued) Current vaccinations: DHP-PV, rabies, Bordetella, with optional Leptospirosis Preventative heartworm care - daily, monthly Routine fecal checks, and needed treatments

7. 7 National Urban Search & Rescue Response System Canine Search Specialist Training Knowing Your Canine The disaster canine has all requirements intensified More possibilities of risk More stress responses Different mechanisms of injury

8. 8 National Urban Search & Rescue Response System Canine Search Specialist Training 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. 9 National Urban Search & Rescue Response System Canine Search Specialist Training Natural Canine Environment

10. 10 National Urban Search & Rescue Response System Canine Search Specialist Training Environment Canine Needs To Work In

11. 11 National Urban Search & Rescue Response System Canine Search Specialist Training Food and Canine Safety Equipment

12. 12 National Urban Search & Rescue Response System Canine Search Specialist Training Dangerous Equipment

13. 13 National Urban Search & Rescue Response System Canine Search Specialist Training And you said I was your best friend?! Stress Responses

14. 14 National Urban Search & Rescue Response System Canine Search Specialist Training

15. 15 National Urban Search & Rescue Response System Canine Search Specialist Training Many Possibilities For Injury

16. 16 National Urban Search & Rescue Response System Canine Search Specialist Training Anatomy Nose to tail Head Neck Thorax Front legs Abdomen Hind limbs Tail

17. 17 National Urban Search & Rescue Response System Canine Search Specialist Training Canine Assessment Primary ABCs Secondary Head to toe Nose to tail

18. 18 National Urban Search & Rescue Response System Canine Search Specialist Training Primary Assessments (ABCs) Airway Check nostrils to back of throat Pull tongue to help open back of throat, and therefore, the airway

19. 19 National Urban Search & Rescue Response System Canine Search Specialist Training Primary Assessment Breathing Is canine breathing? Check quantity and quality of respiration Check motion of chest wall Cyanosis? Rescue breathing

20. 20 National Urban Search & Rescue Response System Canine Search Specialist Training Primary Assessment Circulation Check for bleeding

21. 21 National Urban Search & Rescue Response System Canine Search Specialist Training

22. 22 National Urban Search & Rescue Response System Canine Search Specialist Training Primary Assessment Consciousness Determine level of consciousness Is dog alert or responsive? Apprehension Aware of surroundings? Pain stimuli responsiveness?

23. 23 National Urban Search & Rescue Response System Canine Search Specialist Training 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. 24 National Urban Search & Rescue Response System Canine Search Specialist Training Secondary Assessment (continued) Complete physical examination Head to tail Re-evaluate “corrected” problems from primary assessment Ongoing assessment

25. 25 National Urban Search & Rescue Response System Canine Search Specialist Training 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. 26 National Urban Search & Rescue Response System Canine Search Specialist Training 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. 27 National Urban Search & Rescue Response System Canine Search Specialist Training Hands-On Application Muzzling

28. 28 National Urban Search & Rescue Response System Canine Search Specialist Training

29. 29 National Urban Search & Rescue Response System Canine Search Specialist Training

30. 30 National Urban Search & Rescue Response System Canine Search Specialist Training Lateral Recumbent

31. 31 National Urban Search & Rescue Response System Canine Search Specialist Training Bandaging Bandaging principles Apply even pressure Bandaging paws Keeping bandage in place Bandaging Ears Tail Abdomen

32. 32 National Urban Search & Rescue Response System Canine Search Specialist Training Pressure Bandage

33. 33 National Urban Search & Rescue Response System Canine Search Specialist Training 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. 34 National Urban Search & Rescue Response System Canine Search Specialist Training 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. 35 National Urban Search & Rescue Response System Canine Search Specialist Training Roles in Task Force (continued) Veterinarian’s and paramedic’s responsibilities Administer anesthesia, IV fluids, and drugs Treat with antibiotics, steroids Perform surgery

36. 36 National Urban Search & Rescue Response System Canine Search Specialist Training 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. 37 National Urban Search & Rescue Response System Canine Search Specialist Training 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