Free first aid training could help save lives of police dogs in Sussex

The first ever nationwide campaign to provide free dog first aid support to the UK’s police has been launched, offering Britain’s nearly 1,500 police dogs greater support in those critical moments of need.

Thanks to a coalition of animal welfare advocates, free first aid training and kits are to be issued to their handlers that could one day mean the difference between life and death for these courageous dogs.

Animal Friends Insurance is leading an initiative to bring together Dog First Aid Training experts, police dog charity the Thin Blue Paw Foundation, and police forces up and down the country to ensure that the UK’s brave police dogs can receive immediate care should they get injured in the line of duty and have a better chance of recovery.

Dog First Aid Training is to provide a free bespoke virtual course for police dog handlers that will teach them how to immediately treat blunt force trauma injuries, burns and identify the signs of shock. Treatment for the most serious conditions such as fractures, severe sprains and wounds will also be taught in the course.

Police dog handlers attending the course will also be provided, free of charge, with a tailor-made dog first aid kit by the Thin Blue Paw Foundation, funded by a £10,000 donation by Animal Friends. The kits can be worn on uniforms and could play a vital role in treating injuries suffered by the brave dogs.

Patricia Gardiner, Chief Marketing Officer, Animal Friends, said: “We’re proud to lead this initiative, offering police dog handlers across the UK a greater level of skill and confidence that one day could help save the life of their courageous canine partner.

“These animals work hard to protect our communities every day and it’s our hope that by bringing together this coalition of experts we can give something meaningful back.

“The uniquely tailored dog first aid training and bespoke kits will ensure that handlers can provide immediate treatment in the event that the worst happens and their dog has the best possible chance of recovery. April is Pet First Aid Awareness Month, but sadly many people are oblivious to dog first aid and don’t know how to provide it to their dog should they need to. I’d encourage everyone, not just police dog handlers, to learn more about dog first aid as soon as possible.”

Dani Hickman, Operations Manager at Dog First Aid, said: “I’ve no doubt this initiative will save the lives of many brave police dogs. Every day these dogs face the threat of being assaulted or injured in the line of duty. Now police handlers on the scene will be better equipped to deal with injuries sustained by their loyal companions.

“There are nine million dogs in the UK and the majority will require First Aid at least once in their life. As owners and carers we never know when an accident may happen and they will need our help. Since 2013 we have trained thousands of people to provide the emergency care their dogs need before getting to a vet. We are so proud that in many cases this has saved the dog’s life.”

Thin Blue Paw Foundation trustee, Kieran Stanbridge, said: “Police dogs have physically demanding jobs, putting themselves in hazardous and potentially harmful situations every single day. We estimate around 250 police dogs are injured in the line of duty every year; and yet most handlers are not equipped with a personal issue dog first aid kit and in some cases have limited training in emergency dog first aid. Veterinary care is, of course, imperative for any police dog who may become ill or hurt. But being able to efficiently risk assess a scene and administer dog first aid could be life-saving in an emergency.”

Chief Constable of Sussex Police, Jo Shiner, said: “I am delighted to work alongside the Thin Blue Paw foundation, a charity close to my heart. Police dogs are an integral part of our policing family, often playing an important role in helping us to catch criminals and protect our communities, so it is important that they are protected as one of our own. As a proud owner of an adorable but mischievous rescue dog myself, I look forward to undertaking this Dog First Aid course and sharing learning across Sussex.”

The dogs first aid course is currently available for active police dog handlers to book, with the first courses commencing in June. Police dog handlers attending will receive a CPD-accredited dog first aid course certificate.

All serving police dog handlers can sign up to the free course by contacting their local Dog First Aid Trainer: www.dog-first-aid.com/locations. Kathy Hobson is the trainer for East and West Sussex, Brighton and Hove and is actually providing the first of these training sessions which takes place in July. You can get in touch with Kathy direct by emailing [email protected] or calling 07498 557064.