EMS Transport of Service Dogs & Support Animals

Engine 30 and Medic 6 respond to their local shopping mall and find, Nancy, a 38-year old female complaining of tightness in her chest. Nancy is sitting on a sidewalk bus bench with her dog. Bystanders tell you she seemed to get upset when she missed her bus and within minutes began complaining she wasn't feeling well. Nancy is visibly upset, but able to answer your questions appropriately. Her heart rate is 96, strong, regular and corresponds to sinus rhythm on your monitor, with a blood pressure of 156/88 and a respiratory rate of 28, non-labored. The rest of her vital signs and physical assessment are within normal limits. She denies any medical problems except occasional panic attacks. Nancy requests and agrees to be transported to the hospital, which is 20 minutes away, but insists her canine companion join her. She tells you he's a "service dog" who provides her with emotional support and produces official-looking papers indicating her dog has been certified by Service Dogs of America. Animals Supporting Patients Many of our patients have significant debilitating emotional and physical conditions with complex treatment plans. Fortunately for thousands of people, like Nancy, their comfort can be enhanced with a variety support animals, and the crews in our scenario are faced with a situation that's becoming more common every day. We are all familiar with a guide dog with a leather-handled harness leading a blind person down our streets and saf...
Source: JEMS Patient Care - Category: Emergency Medicine Authors: Tags: Patient Care Operations Source Type: news