Wiesbaden Veterinary Treatment Facility Hosts K9 Tactical Combat Casualty Care and UH-60 Familiarization Training
WIESBADEN, Germany — Military working dog handlers, Army combat medics, civilian K9 handlers and security personnel from installations across Germany and Belgium gathered at the Wiesbaden Veterinary Treatment Facility for a training event focused on Tactical Combat Casualty Care and UH-60 Black Hawk familiarization.
Approximately 15 participants—including U.S. Army MWD handlers, 68W combat medics and civilian K9 handlers from Pond Security —took part in the crawl phase of preparations for a larger exercise scheduled for September. The training emphasized life-saving veterinary first aid, prolonged field care, and safe helicopter operations, ensuring handlers are prepared to care for their canine partners in austere environments.
“The three primary goals of K9 Tactical Combat Casualty Care are to prevent additional casualties, treat the casualty and complete the mission,” said Capt. Amanda Zanger, officer in charge and veterinarian at the Wiesbaden Veterinary Treatment Facility, as she opened the classroom instruction.
Zanger explained that the course is designed specifically for handlers and combat medics because they are often the first on scene when a working dog is injured.
“You guys are going to be at the point of injury,” Zanger said. “Our vets are going to be hundred of miles away. You’re going to have to rely on your training and your medics to take care of your casualty.”
The classroom portion covered the MARCH algorithm, canine vital signs, heat injuries, hemorrhage control and prolonged casualty care. Participants learned to recognize early signs of medical emergencies and practiced interventions that could keep a military working dog alive until veterinary treatment becomes available.