Anna Santos is working tirelessly to bridge the gap in police canine care

University of Georgia police officer Rusty Williams has been serving as a training sergeant and canine handler for the department for over 25 years. With his extensive experience in handling working dogs, Williams understands the importance of being prepared for medical emergencies that may arise while on duty. This led him to seek out additional training opportunities for his officers to ensure they have the necessary skills to provide immediate care to their canine partners.

In his search for a suitable training program, Williams came across K9 MEDIC, an education program that focuses on providing support to handlers, medics, and others in learning medical skills to treat working dogs. Intrigued by the concept, Williams attended a workshop by K9 MEDIC and was inspired to create a similar, more cost-effective workshop for his officers. Knowing that Dr. Santos, with her background in critical care and public health, would be the perfect person to lead such a workshop, Williams approached her with his idea.

Dr. Santos, a seasoned professional in the field of emergency medicine, quickly put together an intensive workshop tailored specifically for the UGA police officers. The workshop, which was first held in Summer 2023 and repeated in July of the following year, covered a wide range of topics essential for handling medical emergencies involving working dogs. Participants learned how to assess a dog’s normal behavior and physical condition, check vital signs such as temperature, pulse, and respiration, and evaluate hydration levels and gum color.

During the workshop, officers practiced first-aid techniques using simulated dog models to simulate real-life scenarios. Dr. Santos emphasized the importance of quickly gathering information, recognizing normal behavior, and monitoring the dog’s progress to ensure it returns to its baseline condition. She also taught officers how to handle common emergency situations such as heat stroke, dehydration, and gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV), a life-threatening condition where the stomach twists on itself.

One of the key takeaways from the workshop was the importance of knowing when to seek professional veterinary care. While officers were equipped with the skills to provide immediate first aid, Dr. Santos stressed the importance of transferring the dog to a veterinarian for further evaluation and treatment. This approach ensures that the dog receives comprehensive care and increases the chances of a successful recovery.

The workshop led by Dr. Santos has proven to be invaluable for the UGA police department, filling a crucial gap in their training program. With limited resources available for specialized training in canine first aid, Dr. Santos’s workshop has provided officers with essential knowledge and skills to handle medical emergencies involving their working dogs effectively.

Dr. Santos’s dedication to improving the care of operational canines in emergency situations is evident in her recent completion of a master’s degree in public health. Through her research and curriculum development, she has highlighted the need for comprehensive training for canine handlers and emergency medical services personnel. By equipping individuals with baseline first aid skills, Dr. Santos aims to enhance the overall care and well-being of working dogs in various operational settings.

In conclusion, the collaboration between University of Georgia police officer Rusty Williams and Dr. Santos has resulted in a successful workshop that has empowered officers with the knowledge and skills to provide essential medical care to their working dogs. By emphasizing the importance of quick assessment, proper first aid techniques, and timely veterinary intervention, the workshop has significantly enhanced the department’s preparedness for handling medical emergencies involving their canine partners.