First Aid Training for MWD Handlers
A military working dog (MWD) handler is a member of the military police (MP). Dogs are trained to provide security at military bases, help enforce military regulations and help MPs with combat support tasks. Handlers are trained in administering first aid to their dogs.
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Dangers to Dogs
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Dogs in combat zones are obviously more at risk of injury, particularly those used to detect bombs and explosives. Typical injuries requiring first aid are heat exhaustion, blood loss, wounds and loss of limbs and hearing caused by explosive devices, shrapnel and bullet wounds. MWDs are prone to particular problems such as parasitic diseases, types of dermatitis and heart worms, but these are treated by military veterinary personnel.
Course Components
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The emergency first aid course begins by teaching handlers the basic principles of first aid and incident management. The handler must also learn the contents of a canine first aid kit and prepare one. The rest of the training focuses on dealing with specific incidents, such as asphyxia or choking, bone fractures and torn muscles and poisoning. Handlers must also know how to treat blood loss and shock as well as manage wounds while getting the dog to the veterinary hospital. Finally, a handler learns how to use resuscitation techniques on dogs, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
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Training Base
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Added to first aid, dog health and kennel hygiene are also components of the basic MWD handler training. All handlers and MWD training for the Department of Defense is carried out at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio Texas, which also co-ordinates the adoption of dogs into the military.
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References
- Photo Credit dog image by Joanna Redesiuk from Fotolia.com
