CALS Members Attend K9 TCCC Course to Enhance Care Capabilities

Over the past two days, members of CALS attended the Veterinary Tactical Group K9 TCCC course held at the Island Creek K9 training facility.

The two-day course, instructed by veterinarians and veterinary technicians, focuses on care for working dogs. Topics covered include heat emergencies, bloat, trauma, choking, K9 CPR, medication administration, and advanced airway management.

The Veterinary Tactical Group is recognized nationally as an experienced group of professionals sharing their expertise with paramedics, EMTs, and K9 handlers. The training they provide equips handlers and emergency providers with the skills needed to care for critically injured working dogs in emergencies.

CALS partnered with the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office to position advanced K9 care treatment bags with each K9 handler in the county. This collaboration between CALS medics and CCSO K9 handlers significantly increases the chances of survival if a working dog is ever injured.

This training was hosted by CALS, and due to its importance in providing critical K9 care, several spots were made available for other agencies working with K9 units. Attendees included Maryland State Police, United States Secret Service, Calvert County Department of Emergency Services, Calvert County Sheriff’s Office, Howard County Fire & Rescue, and Calvert Search & Rescue.