By Staff Report
Washington County EMS and Washington County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) K‑9 handlers recently participated in a specialized K‑9 Casualty Care and Transport Training course provided by Survival Flight.
The hands-on training focused on providing emergency medical care to law enforcement K-9 officers who may become injured or critically ill while serving the community. Participants learned to recognize and manage trauma‑related injuries, bleeding, and other medical emergencies, as well as techniques for stabilization, handling, and safe transportation of an injured K‑9 officer.
The course also addressed emergency planning following stabilization. Depending on the K‑9’s condition, location, and time to definitive veterinary care, Washington County EMS may assist with ground transport, or Survival Flight may provide air medical transportation to a veterinary facility equipped to handle the emergency.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, this type of joint training strengthens the working relationship between EMS, law enforcement, K-9 handlers, and air medical personnel while ensuring everyone understands their role when minutes matter.
WCSO expressed appreciation to Survival Flight for providing the specialized training and to the participating K‑9 handlers for their commitment to protecting their partners, noting that law enforcement K‑9s are more than valuable resources, they are working members of the team.