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Canadian paramedics prepared to come to aid of injured police dogs

Ottawa veterinarian gives first responders course in basics for canine rescue

By Chris Seto
The Ottawa Citizen

OTTAWA — Like their human counterparts, dogs in the Ottawa police K-9 unit have badge numbers, play an important role in solving crimes and are sometimes injured in the line of duty. Until recently, however, neither the dogs’ handlers nor Ottawa paramedics could come to the aid of an injured animal.

“The first-aid training we have is pretty limited,” says Sgt. Dan Berrea of the Ottawa police K-9 unit. “Anything that you can do to improve the chance of that dog surviving, recovering and getting back to work is huge.”

The situation is different now that members of Ottawa’s paramedic tactical unit have a course that teaches them how dogs differ from humans.

Full Story: Paramedics prepared to come to aid of injured police dogs