An assistance canine for your Fire Department will be part of the Critical Incident
Stress Management program for our first responders. This canine can operate both as a therapy
and a multi-purpose service dog that will be specifically task trained to assist our firefighters
after a difficult call. According to the International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP),
a therapy animal, in definition, is an animal that provides comfort in times of a crisis that results
in mass loss and/ or stress on an individual. Whereas a service animal, in definition, is
specifically task trained to aid an individual with disabilities. Although our first responders do
not have disabilities; extreme stress, anxiety or distress can have similar side effects as those
with legitimate mental disabilities. Thus, this canine will be specifically task trained for these
types of interactions and provide Animal Assisted Intervention (AAI) and Animal Assisted Crisis
Response (AACR).
AACR is a form of animal-assisted activity (AAA) that provides physical assistance and comfort
to those who have been affected by natural, human-caused, or technological disasters and crises.
AACR is effective because the safety, familiarity, novelty, and interest in the animal have been
found to be impactful when building rapport with a person affected by crisis or difficult situation,
such as our firefighters experience on challenging calls. The UCLA Health research on Animal
Assisted Intervention substantiated that assistance dogs provide tremendous benefits for both
mental and physical health.
Their study found that these trained animals have the following
benefits for mental health:
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• The simple act of petting animals releases an automatic relaxation response. This
includes the release of serotonin, prolactin and oxytocin to help elevate overall mood
• Lowers anxiety, provides comfort and reduces loneliness
• Increases mental stimulation and assists in the recall of memories and help sequence
temporal events
• Can provide an escape or happy distraction
• Even assist as a catalyst in the therapy process and may reduce initial resistance that
might accompany further therapy
As for physical health, the benefits include:
• The lowering of blood pressure and improves cardiovascular health
• Reduces the number of medications a first responder may need to take
• Breathing physically slows in those that are overly anxious
• Releases hormones such as Phenylethylamine, which has the same effect as chocolate
• Diminishes overall physical pain
• Motivates an individual to seek further professional therapy if needed
• Create a deep bond with the animal and may feel that they are able to relate better than a
human
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Our program works with your department and city to find the appropriate fit of an assistance canine that can reside in your fire station to be on call 24/7 to assist your fire fighters after difficult calls or debriefings. We work hand in hand with you to select and fully train an assistance canine while also training and setting up protocols for your firefighters on staff to learn how to handle and utilize the canine in the best capacity possible. We customize the training for each assistance canine so they are unique to your city, department and staff.
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If this program seems like the right fit for your fire department, inquire with us today for more information and to schedule a meeting or a visit with our head trainer and demo dog.
ON DUTY ASSISTANCE K9's WE HAVE TRAINED AND PLACED
As a new program, we have currently trained and placed K9 Chief Scruff that lives full time at Riviera Beach Fire Station 88 and we are in the works of negotiations with other departments in Palm Beach County, Florida
