In this episode of Critical Levels, we explore the world of canine pre-hospital care with Dr. Jason Donahue. From trauma management to tactical medicine, we discuss how emergency principles apply to working dogs. Learn essential techniques for treating K9s in the field, including airway management, hemorrhage control, and transportation challenges.
Sponsored by:
Dr. Jason Donohoe
Jason is an ER veterinarian with more than 25 years experience working in busy emergency-referral hospitals in the Toronto area. He also has the privilege of providing primary health care, and telemedicine advice, to over 150 police K9 teams across the province from various agencies. Jason is passionate about trauma care and teaching. Since 2010 he has been training K9 handlers, and tactical EMS providers, to provide life saving care in the pre-hospital setting.
On This Episode
This special episode, recorded live at the Canadian Tactical Paramedicine Conference (CANTACMED), features Dr. Jason Donohoe, a veterinarian with extensive experience in K9 emergency medicine. We explore how paramedics and handlers can apply human trauma principles to working dogs, covering topics like hemorrhage control, airway management, transport considerations, and common injury patterns in police and military K9s.
Whether you work with service animals or want to be better prepared as a pet owner, this episode provides critical insights into lifesaving interventions for dogs in the field.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- How human trauma care principles translate to K9 patients
- The importance of the “Muzzle” step in K9 MARCH assessments
- Why tourniquets aren’t always effective on dogs and what to use instead
- Key differences in K9 airway management and intubation
- How to safely transport and provide ongoing care for injured working dogs
- Medication considerations, including TXA, naloxone, and analgesia
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