Operational K-9 Emergency Care & Transport Course

When an operational K-9 is injured in the line of duty, the first people on scene are often the handler and local EMS. The Operational K-9 Emergency Care & Transport Course gives K-9 handlers and first responders the skills to stabilize and safely transport the operational K-9 until they reach definitive veterinary care.

This course is a collaborative effort between LIFE FORCE Air Medical and the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine. It combines veterinary emergency and critical care expertise with LIFE FORCE’s experience in pre-hospital and air medical transport.

Participants learn how to safely approach, muzzle, and restrain an operational K-9, perform a physical exam, and monitor vital signs. The curriculum also covers hemorrhage control, airway management, wound care and splinting, canine CPR, vascular access and fluid resuscitation, heat and cold injuries, snakebites, anaphylaxis, toxic exposures such as opioids and explosives, and bloat (GDV). Hands-on skills stations use simulators and anatomical models; live animals are not used for training except for assessment and evaluation purposes. The course concludes with guidance on ground and air transport, including how to build a K-9 transport program.

Designed in light of Tennessee’s new K-9 Emergency Medical Care & Transport Act, this course helps agencies prepare to care for the K-9s who protect our communities.

Course Length: 6 Hours

Each participant receives a course certificate from the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine.

This course has been submitted to the Tennessee Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Commission for approval of 6 hours of POST credit.

If your agency is interested in this course, please complete the form below and someone will be in contact with you soon. If you have specific questions, please email Stacy.Prater@erlanger.org.

Operational K-9 Emergency Care & Transport Course Request

Operational K-9 Emergency Care & Transport Course Request Form

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Agency or Department Name *

Agency Type *

County or Service Area *

Agency Address *

Name and Title *

Phone Number *

E-Mail *

Preferred Contact Method *

Preferred Dates (Please list one or two alternates) *

Estimated Number of Participants *

Participant Breakdown (Check all that apply) *

K-9 Handlers

EMS Providers

Other First Responders

Proposed Venue Address *

Room Capacity, with space for skills stations *

Available audiovisual equipment (Check all that apply) *

Screen or TV

Projector

Sound

HDMI Connection

Does your agency have an existing K-9 Transport Program? *

Does your agency have a relationship with a local veterinarian and/or 24/7 emergency veterinary facility? *

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Operational K-9 Emergency Care & Transport Course

Operational K-9 Emergency Care & Transport Course Request﻿

Operational K-9 Emergency Care & Transport Course Request Form

Operational K-9 Emergency Care & Transport Course Request