SALT LAKE CITY — Utah has joined a select group of locations offering medical helicopter services for police K-9s and other working dogs injured in the line of duty.
On Tuesday, announced the launch of its operational K-9 transport service in Utah, facilitating the transportation of handlers and their injured K-9 partners to emergency veterinary hospitals.
Tammy Blake, the director of critical operations for the Life Flight program, stated at a news conference that “Intermountain Life Flight is only the third air medical critical care transfer service in the nation to provide this type of service.”
The initiative, developed over the past year by Intermountain officials, was inspired by similar services in other regions that catered to K-9 transports. Collaborating with and other relevant organizations, the program currently involves three critical veterinary care hospitals.
Dr. Laura McLain, a key figure in the program’s development, likened these veterinary hospitals to level 1 trauma facilities for humans, boasting round-the-clock specialist staffing, ventilators, and blood for transfusions.
Dr. Laura McLain, who played a pivotal role in establishing Intermountain Life Flight’s operational K-9 program, emphasized at a news conference on Feb. 20, 2024, that a dog’s sense of smell is estimated to be 10,000 times more sensitive than a human’s.
McLain expressed her optimism about the program, stating, “This program will be a tremendous resource for working K-9 handlers and agencies across the state. These dogs are highly-trained, valuable members of the team and deserve the same access to excellent emergency medical care as human first responders receive.”
She highlighted the extensive training that working dogs undergo with their handlers, emphasizing the deep bond and mutual understanding between them.
In cases of critical illness or injury to a working dog, the handler or agency can reach out to Intermountain Life Flight under the program. Subsequently, the dog and handler will be airlifted via medical helicopter to one of the three designated hospitals.
Sgt. Kendall Holt of the West Jordan police shared a personal anecdote at the news conference, underscoring the program’s significance. He recounted the loss of K-9 officer Maya two years ago, emphasizing the emotional impact on the department and the community.
Holt expressed the department’s commitment to enhancing the well-being of K-9s and their handlers through initiatives like this program.
Intermountain Health officials revealed plans to train 80 staff members in the new program the following week, with an additional 70 paramedics potentially receiving training on managing K-9 patients during flights.