Help Educate Local EMS

Recently passed legislation ("Nero's Law") allows EMTs to provide treatment and transport of Police Canines. The scope of what treatment may be given is limited to primarily Basic Life Support. Every EMT (approx. 20,000) in MA is required to take this class by February 2024. The class must be taught by a veterinarian or a technician who is credentialed as a Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America in Anesthesia, Surgery, Internal Medicine, or Emergency and Critical Care. Also present must be a large dog (not a police dog) on which the EMTs would practice landmarking, as well as mannequins for backup. A police K9 with its handler must also be present.

Courses will consist of a 1.5 hour online didactic section and a 1.5 hour hands-on class. We need everyone's help in delivering the hands-on class. Training for instructors will be made available. 

If you prefer to write your own course, you may certainly do that but all courses must be approved by either the state or your regional EMS office. CLICK HERE for information on OEMS.

First Responders:

You must view the didactic portion of the program BEFORE hosting the hands-on session. You can access that HERE (the access code is EMT-2023cmemsc)

Once you're ready to schedule a training, please contact Jamie Falzone.
You will need to include a date, time, and location. If more than 20 EMS are expected at a session, we will need to coordinate two volunteer veterinarians. You are responsible for obtaining OEMS credit. If you need a K9 officer team, please let Jamie know as well. Please submit requests at least 2 weeks in advance of the desired date.
 

MVMA's Role:

MVMA will be assisting in matching veterinary staff with local EMS who request trainings.
Interested in helping out? Fill out THIS FORM or email jfalzone@massvet.org

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