Non-Veterinary Emergency Care of Law Enforcement Canines at Mass Gathering Events: A Pilot Training Course for Collegiate-Based EMS Providers

Abstract

in a specific location for a specified period of time. 2 In particular, law enforcement canines (LEK9s) are now frequently included on security teams at MGEs. LEK9s have numerous assignments, including explosives and narcotics detection, patrol, tracking, apprehension and arrest, and search and rescue. Their versatility stems from their keen sense of smell, ability to navigate inaccessible areas, and ability to search a given area approximately 50 times faster than a human. [3][4][5][6][7] LEK9s working at marathon or other MGEs may suffer from an acute illness or injury, particularly if an MCI occurs due to a violent attack (eg, bombing, active shooter incident) or a natural cause (eg, extreme weather, structural collapse). At select, high-profile events and exercises, veterinary medical professionals may be present onsite to provide immediate treatment. For example, National Veterinary Response Teams are deployed for National Special Security Events such as political conventions, presidential inaugurations, and the United Nations General Assembly. While increasing the presence of veterinary medical professionals at MGEs is worthy of attention, professional veterinary support is not routinely available at most MGEs with LEK9s on site.

Heroin intoxication in a dog

“…The pharmacokinetics of 4 mg IN atomised naloxone have been described 21 . A training program for emergency care in law enforcement canines which included guidelines for opioid reversal, suggested a dose of 2–4 mg per 25 kg animal 22 . A recent study has demonstrated that transbuccal naloxone impregnated swabs in dogs were capable of achieving plasma naloxone levels comparable to a 0.4 mg IM injection 23 …”

“…21 A training program for emergency care in law enforcement canines which included guidelines for opioid reversal, suggested a dose of 2-4 mg per 25 kg animal. 22 A recent study has demonstrated that transbuccal naloxone impregnated swabs in dogs were capable of achieving plasma naloxone levels comparable to a 0.4 mg IM injection. 23 In this case, considering the effective response to IV naloxone when given in hospital, it is likely that the intramuscular naloxone administered at home was inadequately dosed, inappropriately administered or mishandled.…”