LNG medics taught K9 casualty trng

PINEVILLE, La. - Fourteen Louisiana National Guard combat medics took part in a 10-day course here at Camp Beauregard, from Jan. 20-30, to renew their National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) and CPR certifications. In addition to managing battlefield trauma, treating heat and cold injuries, starting IVs and administering medications, medics are now taught K-9 Tactical Combat Casualty Care, which focuses on treating service dogs in the field when a vet is unavailable. “K9 training is important because not only will we most likely be the source of care if a K9 is injured, but there are certain things a medic needs to know,” said Sgt. Kennedy Chapman, assistant combat medic sustainment program director. “This course teaches medics not only how to treat a K-9 effectively, but also how to handle a K-9 properly without being bitten or injured.” The medics use a fake training dog from Fort Polk to become familiar with the differences in required equipment, anatomy and treatment needed for dogs. Medics are taught to perform interventions, applying a tourniquet, checking vital signs, and clearing a K-9’s airway. Sgt. 1st Class Howard Bushey, combat medic sustainment program director, wants to improve the program’s quality and develop medics’ critical thinking skills. He also wants to incorporate more prolonged field care. The Louisiana Air National Guard currently has the highest sustainment percentage for medics in the National Guard and one of the top training programs in the country. (Source: Louisiana National Guard 02/10/22) La. Guard adds K-9 casualty care to medic sustainment training > National Guard > Guard News - The National Guard