Responders in Action
|
On this page of the site we will bring you the selfless actions of people that have undergone Canine First Responder Training and used those skills in real life emergencies.
Some that may seem as mundane as removing a thorn from a pad to the more life threatening conditions that requires CPR to be administered. We hope these stories inspire you and help you understand why training is necessary so if you were thinking of doing a course but were still unsure, then maybe these true stories will help you to make that life changing decision. |
How do we know about them? We encourage all our Canine First Responder students and CFR Instructors trained by us and their students to fill out a report form so we can recognise them for using their skills these are then shared with other instructors through a regular newsletter, some of those stories we bring you here.
|
At the end of December 2017 globally, we had certified 15,000 Canine First Responders with a course that has complied with The Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 since it's inception in 2008 that's no mean feat folks |
|
|
Nominated 19.11.2018 by their Instructor Bev Truss
Ponc is a 10 year old bulldog type dog who loves food. I fed Ponc his dinner, which was a lump of Green Tripe, a real treat for him.I left him in the kitchen and carried on about my business. He began choking and used the last of his strength to come to find me, at which point he collapsed. I was able to assess the situation and perform a Heimlich. Nearly instantly the blockage flew out, although it felt like an age. He was back to himself in no time.
It is all down to Bev's training that my dog is still alive. Staying calm and taking the few moments to try to work out what was happening led me to make the best decision for my dog. Bev taught me that. Thank you Bev! Katie O'Loughlin & Ponc xxx |
|
Simon Thompson CFRI 0049
I was at home on the evening 12th of April when there was a knock on my door, I opened it to find a neighbour standing there who asked me if I would take a look at his Black Labrador 'Buddy' as something was wrong. I went to his house immediately and found Buddy lying down and panting very heavily.
I carried out an injury and illness assessment on Buddy and discovered that he was displaying signs and symptoms of shock. His stomach area also appeared to be tight. He was showing lack of responsiveness and wouldn't move from the position he was in. I explained to my neighbour that in my opinion Buddy was possibly suffering from GDV (stomach torsion) and we needed to evacuate immediately to the emergency vets as this condition is life threatening. I told one of them to call the vets practice and tell them what the suspected condition was and or ETA. I told the other to prepare his car for the evacuation while I went home to collect my emergency stretcher which I use when delivering Canine First Aid Training. When I returned my neighbour informed me that their vets practice had requested we take Buddy to their main practice approximately 30 minutes drive away. I advised them that at this point Buddy's condition was rapidly deteriorating and that we should go to my practice which is less than 5 minutes away. They agreed and we used the stretcher to evacuate Buddy to the car. I traveled with him in the rear of the car so I could continue to monitor condition and lifeline as well as treat for shock. He was beginning to show more signs of distress and his stomach was visibly starting to expand. Upon arrival at the vets I immediately informed the vet as to his situation and we stretchered Buddy inside. Once inside the vet confirmed Buddy was suffering a GDV and they needed to begin emergency surgery immediately. Buddy's stomach was bloated and was starting to twist at the point where surgery was performed. The operation was a success and in a matter of weeks following rehabilitation Buddy has now made a full recovery. Had I not received Canine First Aid Training and my neighbour had not made the decision to ask for help, I do believe, in my opinion that there was a strong possibility that Buddy could have lost his life that evening. |
|
27.09.2017 Maggie Charn CFRI 0105
Good morning Mike,
I have helped to save a mini schnauzer; his name is Rocky, with CPR in front of the owner. Rocky is 10 years old and has existing heart problems and is on medication. It happened last Friday morning…. I was at the pet owner's home picking up her dogs to go to our salon for his grooming session (owner had arranged our transport service to pick up and drop off her dogs for grooming). When I arrived, Rocky was so happy and greeted me with excitement. Suddenly his legs turned to jelly and he couldn’t hold his feet on the ground and started to slip and eventually lie down. I noticed something was not right and went over to check on him. Did a primary assessment, I didn’t feel any sign of him breathing, checked on his heart it was not beating and no pulse on his femoral artery. I tried to see his gum tissue colour but his gum was black (discoloured gums), omg! I went for his heartbeat one more time and it was not beating. I told the owner: “He has no heart beat”. Straight away I gave chest compression's (think I compressed approximately 10~12 times) and back to place my palm on his heart to check for any sign of heart beat. Miraculous his heart started to beat again. I reassured the owner: “His heart is beating, it's beating again” I double confirmed it by placing my palm on his chest for the next 3-4 seconds. And Rocky started to cough and he was breathing. Unfortunately, he went into seizure shortly after he regained consciousness. During his initial seizure his head kept hitting the floor and I asked the owner to place a towel under Rocky. His seizure lasted for about 36 sec. I managed to video part of it so the owner could show it to the Vet and have attached the video clip for sharing. This is my second time reviving a dog but come to think of it, I did not manage to do the proper sequence of pull out the tongue, 2 rescue breaths and followed by CPR. The first attempt was in Feb 2015, it was a boarding dog (13 yr old) with heart issue that collapsed after his walk. Although I know “Adequate care provided is better than perfect care withheld” I have asked the second owner to take the course and told her our course is useful to know and it can really help to save life. Nonetheless, both owners were thankful of saving their pets. Maggie Charn Singapore |
|
26.04.2017 June Stanley CFRI 0067
Hi Mike
I hope all is well with you. I thought you might be interested to know I had to apply my canine first responder training to treat a human on the mountain at the weekend. We were on an organized group hike when one hiker had a fall. Initially she didn't think it was serious but she actually had a serious bleed & knee injury - I applied the serious bleeding training and then got her to hospital where she had 14 stitches. Many people backed away when they saw the injury but thanks to your training I had the confidence to apply cfr training to a human casualty until we could access professional help, Thank you June |
|
Nominated 23.06.2014 by their Instructors Karina and Jenny I did my canine first responder course with Jenny and Karina nearly 2 years ago and up until recently, aside from the odd cut paw pad, I've never had to use it. I was at a bbq on Friday eve, 14th June, and while we were filling our plates my aunties 5mth old cocker spaniel decided to swallow the stalk/cob of a corn on the cob. He immediately went into difficulty so I ran out and slipped my hand into his mouth and couldn't see anything so I reached down his throat with my finger and felt nothing but he was still struggling to breath. I turned him around and felt/poked around his tummy but couldn't feel anything so I lifted him onto me facing out, his legs between mine, and I began to pump his diaphragm inwards and upwards. After a few goes he threw up a bit of foamy saliva so I gave him a quick break and then started again, as he was still struggling. I felt movement this time and he began to wretch, I put him down on his paws and he continued retching until I could see the cob in his mouth. I reached in and pulled it out of his throat. The little fella then lunged at it again but I moved it and picked him up and rubbed him for a minute. This all took place in about 3 minutes and I, as well as all the other guests, were so relieved and stunned that he swallowed something so big. While this was an amazing experience, it is one I could do without going though again, and without the course behind me, would have been unable to help at all.
Michael Murphy |
|
Nominated 19.09.2012 by their Instructor Michelle
It was good seeing you on Sunday, it brought to mind my first and hopefully last need to utilise my Canine First Responder training. Within the first week after attending the course I received a frantic call from a neighbour saying that her dog swallowed some of her bedding (she chews almost anything). I tried to calm myself but non the less my stomach was in knots. The dog, a beagle bitch, was in a lot of distress and it was obvious that she had great difficulty in breathing. I tried to calm her down a bit and then proceeded to perform the heimlich manoeuvre, after the second try, out popped what seem to be a round bit of plastic... job done. As it was late on a Saturday night my friend took Buttons, my first patient, to the vets on Monday and luckily she got a clean bill of health. Once again, thanks for the training and I hope to see you at future seminars. Regards Jo |
|
Nominated 01.08.2012 by their Instructors Karina and Jenny
Just had the most terrifying moment..... Gave Milo his last tablet of the day,he has a heart problem so has to take medication, I normally just push them down his throat.....a few mins later he starts choking....proper I can't breath choking......I know for a fact if I hadn't done this first aid course he'd be dead now.....I pressed on him really hard and the tab flew out. I cant even imagine what would have happened if I didn't know what to do, as his tablet was so small there was no way I could have seen it in his throat. I didn't think I was doing it right but after four pretty hard presses the tablet came flying out, very scary....I dread to think what would have happened if I didn't know what to do and John was no help screaming at me like a mad man. I strongly recommend every one with a dog to take this course, its a very frightening experience to see your dog choking & I'm just so grateful I knew what to do. Jacqui Rattigan |
|
Nominated 01.08.2012 by their Instructors, Karina and Jenny
Big drama tonight. Elaine my wife called me in a panic , dog is choking. Kids start screaming and Elaine starts crying. managed to get Elaine to hold the dog on top of table and have a look , couldn't get obstruction out as dog was too distressed. so got a small towel and got Elaine to hold his top jaw and teeth out of the way. managed to remove the obstruction wedged at the back of his throat, a piece of hard thornbush (thorns included) about 2 inches long and about a centimetre thick....... Drama over Frank Goss |
|
Nominated 01.08.2012 by their Instructors Karina and Jenny
Just wanted to say that anyone who has not done a CPR course to do so... My jack Russell had a heart attack this evening and I used what I learned and he is now alive. :-) :-). Have been to my vet and he is home but unfortunately His heart is very weak :-( don't know how long I will have him for but every hr/ day is very precious. He is a little fighter. Paws crossed for my old man. Leoni Fahy Canine Grooming Sallins |
|
Nominated 22.04.2012
"Peppa was in a dog fight, deep puncture wound on her shoulder which was bleeding hard, so I put some melolin on and then wrapped it with vetwrap. It had stopped bleeding by the time she saw the vet (an hour later) but she did lose a good bit of blood. Just talked to the vet. Peppa needed 2 stitches and was x-rayed to check for damage to her elbow. There don't seem to be any fractures but the vet thinks there might be ligament damage. We'll have to wait and see how it heals. He was very impressed with my pressure bandage though - I knew doing the Canine First Responder course with Bev Truss would come in handy one day!" - Ilse Sas, Ireland |
|
I would like to nominate a CFR named Nanci Creeden for her Good Samaritan Award. Nanci runs a grooming service form her Doggy Day Care in Cork and had the occasion to use her CFR skills when an older dog collapsed on the grooming table whilst being groomed. The dog showed no signs of discomfort or panic prior to the collapse which still cant be explained. Nanci performed CPR and after a few moments the dog came round and was later given a Vet check and allowed to go home none the worse! I am like a proud Mother! She went into automatic mode and followed her training. Well done Nanci!!!
Bev Truss CFRI |
|
Via Email 23.10.11
Hi Mike Thank you very much. It's great to hear from you and yes I will most definitely sign up again for a refresher course. I forgot to email you a while back that I conducted mouth to mouth resuscitation a while ago on a pug I walk. It happened when I went to pick him up from home and he was in the kitchen with no ventilation. Thanks to your course and training I felt as though I knew exactly what to do and didn't panic as I thought events like that would make me so THANK YOU MIKE! Most of those dates look fine for me as they are on a Saturday but will just double check and book one of them with you very soon. Speak to you soon Kind regards Arpi Kaskanian |
|
Last night my neighbour took her dog, Magic, out for a gentle stroll around the block on her lead before settling in for the night. Magic has only been recently neutered on the 11th of February and still has her stitches in, so she is only able to manage small, light walks around the area. While walking past a neighbour’s house, Magic’s owner noticed the front door open with a gentleman standing in the door way.
All of a sudden, a dog came dashing out of the house, he did not show any signs of aggression or growling, but attacked Magic Immediately. He caught her by the back leg and would not let go. The owner was in an awful state, shouting at the dog and trying to push him away. Since Magic had not long been operated on, she feared if she pulled Magic too hard by the leash to pull her away she would tear her stitches. Thankfully the owner of the dog leant a hand and the dogs finally managed to separate. |
She quickly ran home with Magic and called me straight away as I only live around the corner. I grabbed my first aid kit and hurried over to the house. When I arrived Magic was quietly sitting on the couch looking very sorry for herself. Her owner was distraught and emotional, so I calmed the owner down knowing that the dog could sense this and could cause Magic to be very upset too when I went to check on the wound. I made sure I put my gloves on and used a saline solution to clean the wound by dampening some sterile gauze and gently dabbing the wound with it. All the time I was watching Magic’s reactions just in case we needed to muzzle her. Thankfully Magic was a fantastic patient as she happily let me clean her up.
Checking the wound, I noticed that most the bleeding was from a large section of fur being torn of Magic’s leg by the other dog. There was a tiny puncture wound and I checked the other side to make sure there were no puncture wounds there too, thankfully the wound was small and clean. I then checked the rest of her over for injuries and her operation site and happy she was ok I got her to get off the couch to see how she walked on the leg. I thought she might limp a little from her injury but amazingly she didn’t and was happy to put her full weight on it and walk normal.
As the wound was so small I wondered if it was worth dressing so just to be sure I phoned my CFR Instructor, who is also a Vet Nurse, to check, she agreed with me, to leave the dressing off and let it heal naturally. I called around today to check on Magic, she seemed her jolly self, the wound already healing nicely, although she is missing some fur around the site but walking fine. She has her stitches removed on Monday so I’ll ask the vet to check the attack site to be sure.
Sarah Claire Vincent - Canine First Responder 17th February 2011
Checking the wound, I noticed that most the bleeding was from a large section of fur being torn of Magic’s leg by the other dog. There was a tiny puncture wound and I checked the other side to make sure there were no puncture wounds there too, thankfully the wound was small and clean. I then checked the rest of her over for injuries and her operation site and happy she was ok I got her to get off the couch to see how she walked on the leg. I thought she might limp a little from her injury but amazingly she didn’t and was happy to put her full weight on it and walk normal.
As the wound was so small I wondered if it was worth dressing so just to be sure I phoned my CFR Instructor, who is also a Vet Nurse, to check, she agreed with me, to leave the dressing off and let it heal naturally. I called around today to check on Magic, she seemed her jolly self, the wound already healing nicely, although she is missing some fur around the site but walking fine. She has her stitches removed on Monday so I’ll ask the vet to check the attack site to be sure.
Sarah Claire Vincent - Canine First Responder 17th February 2011
|
Hey Mike!
I am shaking at what has just happened-literally 10 minutes ago....but with positive outcome! My 1 yr old Pomeranian (Bramble) came up to me, seemingly vomiting, it was only a few seconds and I realised he was struggling. He then stopped breathing and collapsed on his side into the water bowl. First aid training immediately kicked in. I couldn't clear his airway with my fingers, so performed the Heimlich manoeuvre on him. 2nd go, and a lot of grassy vomit shot out which I can only assume was his problem! After that, he looked a little dazed, and sat with me for a couple of minutes...then he was back to normal, playing with the others. |
I thought that choking on their own vomit would have been more likely if they were unconscious...but there you go...Just thought you would like to know that YOUR work, and what you have taught me has quite possibly saved my little one's life. That must give you a great feel good factor...and we all could do with more of those.
Thanks Mike....
Jenny, (saying phew...) Bram and the rest of the crew!
Jenny Edwards CFRI 0008
Thanks Mike....
Jenny, (saying phew...) Bram and the rest of the crew!
Jenny Edwards CFRI 0008
|
Christmas Eve Morning 2010
The telephone rings at 08:00 with a frantic client on the phone: “Mike, Lucy has given birth to two pups and she has abandoned them with chord and placenta still attached, we didn’t even know she was pregnant! ...... What do we do?” |
Before I had chance to answer:
“Oh my god, she is having another one!”
Within 10 minutes Lucy had another four pups making six in total. The family had rescued her after finding her tied to a lamp post, their vet had told them previously she was experiencing a phantom pregnancy and not to worry.
She was caring for the four like any mother should but the two she abandoned where a worry. I advised them how to stimulate the breathing and then see if they could get Lucy to lick them clean and also to pass on her scent so they could find the nipples to feed then place them by her nipples as soon as they could to see if they would feed. Their next phone call should be to their vet for more expert advice.
Lucy took a little while but she cleaned the pups up and the phone call half an hour later told me all six pups were doing fine and where feeding and they thanked me for helping to save them.
Now it’s mid January and another follow up phone call to the family has shown mom and pups are all doing well and their vet praised “Whoever” gave you the advice as they knew what they were talking about and saved the two pups lives. High praise indeed.
Mike Jones CFRI
“Oh my god, she is having another one!”
Within 10 minutes Lucy had another four pups making six in total. The family had rescued her after finding her tied to a lamp post, their vet had told them previously she was experiencing a phantom pregnancy and not to worry.
She was caring for the four like any mother should but the two she abandoned where a worry. I advised them how to stimulate the breathing and then see if they could get Lucy to lick them clean and also to pass on her scent so they could find the nipples to feed then place them by her nipples as soon as they could to see if they would feed. Their next phone call should be to their vet for more expert advice.
Lucy took a little while but she cleaned the pups up and the phone call half an hour later told me all six pups were doing fine and where feeding and they thanked me for helping to save them.
Now it’s mid January and another follow up phone call to the family has shown mom and pups are all doing well and their vet praised “Whoever” gave you the advice as they knew what they were talking about and saved the two pups lives. High praise indeed.
Mike Jones CFRI
|
I was walking a friends dogs while they were away on holiday one is a Westy and the other a chocolate Labrador, both were on the lead when a boxer type cross escaped from the owners property across the main road and attacked the Labrador in my care. Lulu was bitten in several places however the bite to her paw was the worst and the vet later confirmed the tendon was torn.
I am happy to confirm that I instantly reacted and my training kicked in, I remained calm, got Lulu home and remembered to put the muzzle on then I controlled the bleeding in her paw by using the dressings from my canine first aid kit, I then checked for shock and prevented the onset by keeping Lulu warm and calm and then took her off to her vet where the wound was stitched under general anaesthetic. |
Lulu is attending the vets every three days for the next six weeks to have her dressings changed under sedation. In this instance the police have been very good and the case is under full investigation and I’m happy to report both owners, Lulu and myself are making a full recovery.
Thank you again, Mike.
Lisa Stanbury, Canine First Responder, Kent.
Thank you again, Mike.
Lisa Stanbury, Canine First Responder, Kent.
|
Nominated on the 12.05.16
On the 24.11.15 Robert Whitaker Used Canine First Responder skills on a prison service dog during a training session at HMP Full Sutton. During the session Prison dog "Jack" suffered from choking. Rob and another Dog Handler where training at HMP Full Sutton and after completing a successful exercise Jack was rewarded with his reward ball. Whilst discussing what training they would do next they noticed that Jack was in distress and was starting to choke. |
The handler asked Rob to do something as he was aware Rob was a CFR, Rob took over the situation and waited to see if he would clear the obstruction by himself initially, when it became apparent he couldn't Rob stepped in. He asked the handler to remain calm and reassure Jack whilst he started abdominal thrusts. This was done a number of times but did not remove the blockage. Rob could hear that Jack was taking air in to his lungs but struggling to breathe and in a great deal of distress at the time.
A decision was made to evacuate Jack to the Vets immediately. During the journey the vehicle in which they where traveling broke down, Rob however remained calm and in control of the situation. During the journey he continued to monitor the dog's condition and administer several more abdominal thrusts during the journey.
Upon arrival at the Vets, Jack was handed directly into the Vets care who removed the blockage for his throat which was his reward ball. After removal Jack's condition deteriorated very quickly and emergency care was administered by the vet. Approximately twenty minutes after this, Jack's condition rapidly improved . A short time later and Jack returned to operational duties and has made a full recovery.
Both Jack's Handler and Rob are certain that without the training Rob had received it would have been highly likely that Jack would have lost his life. In Rob's own words; " I am glad I had done the canine first aid course as it gave me the confidence to do something to help Prison Dog, Jack.
Nominated by Simon Thompson CFRI 0049
A decision was made to evacuate Jack to the Vets immediately. During the journey the vehicle in which they where traveling broke down, Rob however remained calm and in control of the situation. During the journey he continued to monitor the dog's condition and administer several more abdominal thrusts during the journey.
Upon arrival at the Vets, Jack was handed directly into the Vets care who removed the blockage for his throat which was his reward ball. After removal Jack's condition deteriorated very quickly and emergency care was administered by the vet. Approximately twenty minutes after this, Jack's condition rapidly improved . A short time later and Jack returned to operational duties and has made a full recovery.
Both Jack's Handler and Rob are certain that without the training Rob had received it would have been highly likely that Jack would have lost his life. In Rob's own words; " I am glad I had done the canine first aid course as it gave me the confidence to do something to help Prison Dog, Jack.
Nominated by Simon Thompson CFRI 0049
