OKC Police Get Training In K9 First Aid

K9 handlers from all over Oklahoma received first-aid training to better help their dogs in the line of duty.

The course was organized in memory of a K9 that died protecting his Oklahoma City Police handler. The veterinary hospital that treated K9 Kye the day before he died wanted to put this first-aid training on for other officers.

The handlers learned how to handle medical emergencies in the field while they try to get their K9 partners to a veterinary hospital.

“I've already learned a lot of stuff that I didn't know,” said Oklahoma City Police SSgt. Ryan Stark.

Stark did not want to miss this training. This seminar comes eight months after his K9 partner, Kye, died when a robbery suspect stabbed him. He has a new K9 partner and wants to be better prepared.

“I think it's really important. It's not something a lot of guys think about until that moment when they wish they would have known some stuff,” Stark told News 9.

The handlers learned how to check their dog's vital signs like respiration and heart rate. The training also covered identifying signs of distress, how to treat wounds, where major arteries are and avoiding heat strokes, which is one of the biggest risks for most working dogs.

“While it was a tragedy that we lost Kye, this was an excellent thing that came about because of it,” said Joy Hardin with BluePearl Veterinary Partners.

Officers are all trained in handling, which is more behavioral. However, they are not given a lot of specific medical training, which is why this course is invaluable.

“Usually the dogs will let you know, physically you can tell when they're done searching and they're worn out, but it's just to take that a little bit further and gain a little more knowledge,” SSgt. Stark added.

Also in honor of K9 Kye, Blue Pearl Veterinary Partners is offering free eye exams to all service animals in May. Eligible service animals include detection dogs, guide dogs, handicapped assistance dogs, police dogs, search and rescue dogs and therapy animals.

Animals must be active working animals certified by a formal training program or organization, or currently enrolled in a formal training program.

You must register by April 30th at www.ACVOeyeexam.org