Lessons From the French on Veterinarians’ Role in Emergency Response

From UC Davis

Livestock trapped by California’s Rim Fire, an overturned horse trailer on the freeway, cattle and horses stranded in floodwaters in Colorado—all of these disasters or emergency situations require unique skills  and expertise to address the animal component. The Veterinary Emergency Response Team at UC Davis has begun the challenging task of training first responders and non-government agencies to protect the health and well-being of humans and animals at the scene. How should we in California and the rest of the nation best incorporate veterinary medicine training for first responders, and urban search and rescue teams?

The International Animal Welfare Training Institute (IAWTI) at UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine is bringing Dominique Grandjean to campus to share his expertise. As a veterinarian and a colonel for the Paris Fire Brigade (a military unit with 8500 firefighters), Grandjean brings a wealth of information to share about the French approach to veterinary emergency and disaster medicine.

When: Friday, Sept. 27, 2013

Where: UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine

4-5 p.m. Photo and Video Opportunity: Meet and greet outside near the California Police Dog Memorial, located between the northern entrance of the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital (VMTH) and Schalm Hall. Attendees will include Colonel Grandjean, Dr. John E. Madigan, UC Davis Fire Chief Nathan Trauernicht, Executive Officials from the Cal Office of Emergency Services & Special Operations Fire & Rescue Division, CA Urban Search & Rescue Task Force Team Members, Canine Handlers and their dogs.

5-6:30 p.m. Presentation by Colonel Grandjean in Gladys Valley Hall, Room 1030

Grandjean is in charge of canine search and rescue teams, management of dangerous animals and biological hazards. As a researcher, his work is focused on the consequences of stress and hostile environments on working dogs. He and his team have trained handlers and veterinarians of police and search and rescue dogs in more than a dozen countries.

IAWTI is the leader of the One Health Animals in Disasters initiative for the State of California and provides California Fire & Rescue first responder training for animals through a grant from the California Office of Emergency Services.