Canine (K9) working dogs serve alongside law enforcement, military organizations, and first responders across the United States and globally to perform vital tasks that enhance public safety. The United States currently deploys an estimated 50,000 non-military K9s in roles that span protection, search and rescue, and explosive detection. These dedicated animals risk their lives just as their human partners do. Several states have recognized this sacrifice – Florida, Connecticut, and Delaware have enacted laws that require specialized treatment for injured K9s, while Ohio, New York, and Massachusetts are considering similar legislation. A standardized curriculum for treating these essential team members during serious injuries has only recently emerged. This HealthySimulation.com by Dr. Dan Irizarry will highlight emergency care training and simulation for K9 working dogs and how Tactical Medical Solutions (TacMed) K9 Simulator Diesel can meet these needs.
As the need for specialized care grows, EMS programs and simulation centers face an increasing opportunity to develop canine simulation capabilities to address training gaps. The foundation of an effective canine simulation program lies in curriculum development. The Global War on Terrorism significantly advanced tactical combat casualty care for canines. Organizations considering implementing a canine care program can find excellent foundational resources through Deployed Medicine.
Department of Defense Canine Clinical Practice Guidelines
The Department of Defense’s canine clinical practice guidelines provide comprehensive direction to develop curriculum and manage trauma in the canine population. This resource covers healthcare provider responsibilities, normal clinical parameters for military working dogs, emergency airway management, treatment of penetrating chest wounds, respiratory distress management, and protocols for CPR and shock management.
Civilian Veterinary Trauma Care
The civilian veterinary field is advancing their trauma care capabilities through VetATLS, a comprehensive Advanced Trauma Life Support program for animals being developed in partnership with the American College of Surgeons Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) and the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care (ACVECC). As the educational branch of the Veterinary Committee on Trauma, this partnership will enable swift nationwide implementation of hands-on skills laboratories while supporting evidence-based program refinements through real-case data analysis. The program’s eleven specialized modules will cover the complete spectrum of trauma management to focus on the identification and stabilization of common injuries to provide guidance on essential medical tools, and outline protocols for definitive care—all working together to standardize and elevate civilian veterinary trauma care across the nation.
Veterinary simulation has become essential in veterinary education, with demand for realistic training scenarios at an all-time high. Training on high-fidelity simulators that feature realistic wound patterns, appropriate physiology, and accurate anatomy has become fundamental for effective preparation.
View the HealthySimulation.com Webinar Serve & Protect: K9 Simulation for Police Dogs Injured in the Line of Duty to learn more!
Tactical Medical Solutions: Hero and Diesel
Tactical Medical Solutions has led innovation in this specialized simulation field. In 2010, they introduced their first high-fidelity canine trauma simulator, “Hero,” named in honor of a fallen canine warrior. This simulator enabled students to practice fundamental canine tactical combat casualty care. Their subsequent model, ” Diesel” – also named for a fallen canine warrior – significantly expanded assessment and intervention capabilities for EMS programs supporting canine law enforcement officers. TacMed is working in partnership with VetATLS curriculum developers to ensure Diesel is perfectly aligned to support this new curriculum and in many ways, Diesel already meets these requirements.
The K9 Diesel simulator represents state-of-the-art canine training technology. This advanced full-body simulator features over 28 medical intervention sites and includes active breathing and audio cues for enhanced realism. Measuring 42 inches in length and weighing approximately 57 pounds, the simulator accurately reflects the dimensions of working dogs. A long-range wireless remote controller enables real-time monitoring of medical interventions. The system supports critical procedures including intubation, tracheostomy, bleeding control, and numerous emergency care scenarios, allowing handlers and medical responders to practice life-saving techniques safely.
To establish a canine training program requires the careful selection of equipment specific to managing canine injuries. While some equipment serves both human and animal patients, certain items are species-specific. For example, muzzles are essential for treating canines, and standard windlass tourniquets prove ineffective on canine limbs, requiring alternative bleeding control methods. Canine intubation techniques differ from human procedures, requiring direct vocal cord visualization without a laryngoscope. Tactical Medical Solutions offers a specialized Canine Handler’s Medical Aid Kit containing essential equipment for tactical combat casualty care – a crucial component of any training program.
View the new HealthySimulation.com Community Military Medical Simulation Group to discuss this topic with your Global Healthcare Simulation peers!
TacMed K9 Handler Trauma Kit
The TacMed K9 Handler Trauma Kit addresses the unique medical needs of working dogs in emergency situations. This practical drop leg pouch contains dual-purpose items for treating both handler and canine until veterinary care becomes available. The comprehensive kit includes specialized equipment such as a K9-specific tourniquet designed for canine anatomy, a protective muzzle for safe handling during treatment, and an 8.0 ET tube with stylet for emergency airway management. This carefully selected array of medical supplies ensures handlers can deliver immediate, potentially life-saving care to their K9 partners during emergencies.
Open-source veterinary simulation resources have greatly enhanced training capabilities. The Tetlow and Roy Park Veterinary Innovation Lab at Cornell University maintains Vetsim.org. Open VetSim, developed with funding from the State University of New York Innovative Instructional Technology program and the United States Department of Agriculture Higher Education Challenge program, offers a free, open-source veterinary simulation platform ideal for institutions beginning their programs.
K9 Medic provides another valuable resource. Institutions seeking experienced guidance in canine tactical combat casualty care and emergency field medicine can turn to Joanne Brenner and her team, who have spent nearly two decades developing tactics, techniques, procedures, and equipment for K9 care.
For emergency medical service providers and training institutions, the incorporation of canine emergency care programs fulfills both an operational necessity and an opportunity for expansion. Growing legislative requirements for specialized canine medical care, combined with increased deployment of working canines across various sectors, highlight the importance of comprehensive training programs. Investment in canine emergency medical training capabilities addresses current operational requirements while positioning institutions to meet future needs in this specialized field.
More About Tactical Medical Solutions
Tactical Medical Solutions, formerly known as Trauma F/X, develops and manufactures customized emergency response technology, advanced healthcare simulation and training aids, and personal protective gear to effectively manage a spectrum of hostile environments and injuries. The TacMed team’s passion is to serve and protect the health of communities, both at home and abroad. From point of injury throughout the continuum of clinical care; warfighters, first responders, and citizens alike, all rely on extensive tactical field experience and product knowledge to supply intuitive solutions. TacMed’s commitment to this life-saving mission is only matched by the integrity of the company’s team, the durability of products, and renowned customer support services.
Learn More About TacMed and K9 Medic!
References:
- Kuhl EA, Huecker MR. EMS Canine Tactical Medicine Trauma Survey and Treatment. [Updated 2023 Oct 28]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK597376/
- Edwards TH, Scott LLF, Gonyeau KE, Howard EH, Parker JS, Hall K. Comparison of trauma sustained by civilian dogs and deployed military working dogs. J Vet Emerg Crit Care. 2021; 31: 498–507. https://doi.org/10.1111/vec.13064
