The course, taught by Jeremy Damren of the State of Maine’s Emergency Management Agency, focuses on disaster planning, knowing when to seek immediate medical attention and providing triage and emergency care for injured and sick animals.
“It is important to train in these topics prior to the a disaster actually occurring. Maine takes pride in preparing our responders and volunteers to react,” said Damren. “Our pets are also very important in the training and preparation in the event of a disaster.”
For the shelter staff, the exercise was a refresher course in many of the daily emergencies they encounter with the more than 3,200 animals cared for each year. However, animal CPR was a first time learning experience for many.
“We’re fortunate to have such a wonderful network of local veterinarians within a short driving distance from the shelter. But, emergencies can happen at any time, so it’s great to know that each person on staff has the confidence and the skills to assist in any type of animal disaster or emergency,” said Kirstin Minnini, shelter co-manager. Minnini has also been specially trained in large animal disaster rescue and is available to assist in such emergencies.
About The Animal Welfare Society
The Animal Welfare Society exists to provide humane shelter and care to animals temporarily in need of housing, and to further the cause of responsible animal adoption and ownership through education and public awareness. The society actively promotes kindness, the elimination of cruelty and neglect to all animals, and the lifelong commitment of people to their pets. For more information please visit www.animalwelfaresociety.org.
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