Operation Canine Lifeline: Recommendations for Enhancing Prehospital Care for Government Working Dogs

Abstract

Operation Canine Lifeline was a tabletop exercise developed by students and faculty of Boston University School of Medicine's Healthcare Emergency Management master's program. The tabletop exercise led to discussion on current protocols for canines working in the field, what occurs if a canine encounters a toxin in the field, and what to do in situations of national security that require working with civilian agencies. This discussion led to the creation of a set of recommendations around providing prehospital veterinary care to government working dogs. The recommendations include a government-run veterinary toxicology hotline for the sole use of the government, issuing handlers deployment kits and preprogrammed smartphones that contain information on the care practices for dogs, and an increased effort for civilian integration, through local emergency medical services, in the emergency care of government canines. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2017;11:15-20).

Nation-Wide Variation in Presence of Legislation or Protocols for EMS Care of Operational Canines

“…There is, however, a growing evidence base defining OpK9, 2,10 describing deployment and injuries, 1,6,9,11 and outlining best-practices protocols. 3,4,7,8 While a number of OpK9 animals is not known with precision, it is estimated that there are approximately 50,000 deployed in various law enforcement and The results of this study indicate a need for collaborative discussion and detailed expert assessment by all stakeholders (eg, EMS providers, OpK9 law enforcement officers, veterinarians, prehospital training experts, and regulatory authorities). The authors are aware (and some are participants in) on-going efforts to move towards consistent guidance on VEMS care, including generation of guidelines supported by veterinary medicine experts.…”

“…There is, however, a growing evidence base defining OpK9, 2,10 describing deployment and injuries, 1,6,9,11 and outlining best-practices protocols. 3,4,7,8 While a number of OpK9 animals is not known with precision, it is estimated that there are approximately 50,000 deployed in various law enforcement and related activities. Regardless of the exact number of OpK9s, they are present in sufficient numbers (and there are sufficient recommendations on clinical care) to warrant efforts at national-level collaboration on OpK9 clinical matters.…”

“…2 By 2017, best-practice recommendations were appearing in the literature. [3][4][5] More recently, review articles and case series have continued to highlight the importance of considering OpK9 LOD injuries. [6][7][8][9][10][11] Heightened clinical awareness of OpK9 injuries has only partially translated to state-level EMS regulatory and legislative guidance.…”