Until recently, when a police K9 got injured on the job, they had to be rushed to a local animal hospital. Unlike their handlers and the other officers that they work with, the dogs were not allowed to be treated in the back of an ambulance. A new law has changed this and gives injured K9s a better chance at survival.

Five states passed the landmark law

Five states, including Wisconsin, have passed a new law allowing EMS workers to treat dogs directly in the back of an ambulance. In response to the law’s passage, two fire departments in th3e state have purchase ix K9 units, specially designed for their treatment.

Two fire departments in Wisconsin buy K9 surgery kits

The two fire departments are located in DePere and Ashwaubenon EMS personnel at these locations also received training to help them treat injuries in K9s. There is a big difference in what a K9 needs in comparison to their human handlers.

The two fire departments are expected a rise in the number of calls about injured K9s, including calls from outside their normal coverage area. Between the two departments, there are a total of 27 personnel trained to deal with K9 injuries.

What is in the kits?

The inside of the kits includes medical supplies and medications designed specifically for dogs. Each kit also has a book that tells EMS personnel just how much of the medication in a kit to give to a dog. The booklet also contains life-saving procedures that EMS can use to save a K9s life if needed.

“This is a minor surgical kit so that we can get glass out of the dog’s paws if they get cut with glass we can get it out of their paws,” DePere Fire Department Battalion Chief Luke Pasterski told Spectrum News 1.

Personnel also received training

The hope is that the training and Kits can help increase the likelihood of a police K9 surviving injuries on the job, including life-threatening ones.

“Ultimately, the time is what typically makes a difference in whether a dog makes it or not. In things like a critical incident where they are stabbed or shot,” Giese said.

The kits are already saving lives

An example of how crucial the kits and trained personnel happened when K9 Pyro, in Green Bay, was stabbed while performing his duties. Medical personnel were able to treat him and potentially saved his life.

The fire departments serve the entire community, including K9s

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“Most of our K9 programs in this area are community funded so it’s awesome that the community comes out and supports us and helps us out with these kits for these dogs,” Giese said. “We exist to serve our community, and so it’s important to include all members, especially these K9s.”

H/T: Spectrum News 1