JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas –
U.S. Air Force military working dog handlers assigned to the 502nd Air Base Wing treated canine medical training manikins during a pre-deployment emergency veterinary care skills training at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, Texas, on Oct. 15, 2024.
The training manikin was electronically controlled, providing handlers with a realistic experience checking vitals, such as pulse and respiration, and responding to whining and barking sounds. The manikin allowed learners to practice tasks such as maintaining an airway, needle decompression, IV insertion, CPR and bandaging.
Animal care specialists tested the MWD handlers with a series of possible deployment scenarios, focusing on quick and effective medical treatment of injured MWDs with limited assistance and supplies.
The scenarios were followed by in-depth reviews providing handlers feedback on the best courses of treatment and areas for improvement