Field treatment of search dogs: lessons learned from the World Trade Center disaster |
| |
Authors: | Cynthia M. Otto,DVM,PhD,DACVECC, Marc A. Franz,DVM, Barry Kellogg,VMD, Rick Lewis,DVM, Lisa Murphy,VMD,Gerald Lauber,Ed.D |
| |
Affiliation: | Pennsylvania Task Force 1 Urban Search and Rescue Team;Long Island Veterinary Medical Association, Disaster Planning;Team Leader, Veterinary Medical Assistance Team 1;Team Leader, Veterinary Medical Assistance Team 2;ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center and VMAT 2;Director, Suffolk County SPCA |
| |
Abstract: | Objective: To provide a synthesis of information learned by the veterinary community during the care and treatment of search and rescue dogs in a large‐scale urban disaster. Summary: Disaster medicine requires several stages. The most important stage is the planning stage. To function effectively and safely in a disaster situation, a disaster response plan and prior training in disaster response are essential. The execution of a disaster plan requires coordination and communication with multiple agencies. Treatment of search and rescue dogs involves front line field care for life‐threatening emergencies, a first aid station or MASH unit in close proximity to the disaster and/or base of operations for stabilization and general medical care, and local full service veterinary hospitals for specialty and extended care. New or Unique information provided: This report is a summary of experiences gained in preparing for and implementing veterinary care in a major disaster. Medical conditions that affected search and rescue dogs and were treated by veterinary disaster responders at the World Trade Center are presented. |
| |
Keywords: | disaster planning emergency medicine field management first aid terrorism |
|
|