07/22/2022
OEM's decision to put the entire dept on stand down is because of a training issue and EMR/EMT certification. The general squad members are and have always been required to be EMR/EMT certified. That discussion is being had in other forums.
Regarding specifically the canine handlers, they have never been required to have the EMR/ EMT training. They already have a great responsibility in dealing with their canine cohorts and are/were not expected to do any patient care (thats why we use trailers and involve local fire/EMS responders). The handler responsibility has always been find the person, then remove the dog from the situation and let the trailers take over.
Now, we are required to have BLS level CPR (as are all squad members) and the handlers are all in compliance with this policy. Adding the additional requirement for handlers to be EMR/EMT certified is an unnecessary burden on a group of volunteers that already work their tails off (pun intended) and will not change patient care during the course of a response from us.