Canine (K9) Medical Aid and Clinician Training

The purpose of this DHS Office of Health Security (OHS) contract is to provide equipment, training, and technical expertise in accordance with the requirements established by EMSD. The establishment of a training program that meets the needs of DHS Canine Handlers to care for and treat working animals is essential to the fulfillment of DHS OHS mission to safeguard and care for the workforce under 6 U.S.C. 350. The training provided must incorporate medical practices for laypersons (non-medical providers) and medical first responders. Training for medical first responders must cover techniques and procedures for canine care that meet national standards for Basic (BLS) and Advanced Life Support (ALS). To prepare providers to treat and care for canines, specific scenarios must be provided to the layperson and medical first responder that simulate the stress and emergent needs of the pre-hospital field environment. The individuals trained are relied upon and recognized by DHS as the subject matter experts on working animals, it is essential that we empower them to care for their working canine partners while executing their official duties.