K9s United, a national nonprofit dedicated to advocating and supporting K9 law enforcement officers, held a free four-day training seminar from July 31 to Aug. 3 in Knoxville, Tenn. Nearly 50 K-9 teams and EMS professionals from 10 states attended, including the Carmel Police Department, the Muncie Police Department, and the Indiana State Police.
The purpose of the event was to ensure local and regional K-9 units and EMS professionals have the highest level of customized training, problem solving, and animal care necessary to protect and serve their communities. These hands-on scenarios aim to increase a K9 officer’s chance of survival on the front line by educating K9 handlers and EMS professionals on the dog’s anatomy, combat and environmental injuries, treatment protocols, among other life-saving techniques K9s may require in a moment’s notice.
K9s United also provided the attending K9 handlers and EMS professionals with the materials they need to build their own first aid kit before ensuring the recipients understand when to use what and when.
For more information or to donate, visit k9sunited.org.