Paramedics, firefighters and law enforcement from across Wisconsin are learning how to treat critically injured animals--including police K-9s and family pets.
Demand for emergency animal training has surged since Green Bay K-9 Pyro was stabbed April 7. Pyro's doctors say Green Bay police officers used their training to help save the critically injured K-9's life.
On Thursday, more first responders received training to save animals at Fox Valley Technical College. It's the only place in Wisconsin that provides this type of training.
A new law in Wisconsin allows emergency responders to render first aid to injured domestic animals. That is, if they feel comfortable and are trained to do so.
The training teaches first responders how to restrain an injured dog, stop bleeding, treat wounds, give oxygen and apply CPR.
"We teach them how to make oxygen hoods or tents out of whatever they have on their rigs," says Lyn Schuh, public relations and marketing director at Fox Valley Animal Referral Center.