K-9 Down, a Plan for Action by R.A.N.T Strategies

Course Description

This course is taught by experienced Law Enforcement – Paramedics from diverse backgrounds. The training program presents handlers, medics, tactical medics, and other support members with thought provoking ideologies to help them understand and be prepared to encounter the K-9 patient.

The course will also cover the basic medical skills needed to prevent and treat injuries and illnesses in working dogs. This is accomplished by teaching human medical practitioners how to transfer their existing medical skills to the canine patient. We also work with handlers to expand their medical awareness and skills.

At the conclusion of this 4 hour course students will;

Understand what the Pre-veterinary care act entails

Understand and Explain the differences between human and canine anatomy

Understand and Explain differences between human and canine physiology

Understand the phases of care as per the CoTCCC

Pre-mission planning and hazards associated specific to K-9

Understand all aspects of Canine “MARCH”

Demonstrate the ability to safely approach and restrain canine using appropriate techniques

Demonstrate the ability to perform a neurological assessment on a canine

Demonstrate the ability to perform an “On the move assessment”

Demonstrate the ability to perform a head to tail assessment

Understand canine’s respiratory system

Demonstrate the ability to obtain canine respiration rate

Demonstrate the ability to obtain canine pulse

Demonstrate the ability to evaluate canine circulation

Demonstrate the ability to obtain canine temperature

Demonstrate the ability to evaluate canine’s hydration level

Demonstrate the ability to care for canine minor bleeding

Understand heat emergencies in the canine patient

Student Requirements

- Students must be affiliated with a law enforcement agency as some information shared is law enforcement sensitive.
- Students can be a member of the military that has law enforcement responsibilities or in preparation for deployment.

- This is an introductory course into the canine component of Tactical Medicine, but students will participate in hands on exercises relating to the treatment of an injured K-9 and must not have nay medical restrictions.

- Students are encouraged to bring any K-9 medical kit they are currently utilizing.