[Journalists] Guide dogs and emergencies per previous discussion

[Cooke, AnneMarie]

This is sooo  helpful for my EMS presentation. Thanks!
Annemarie

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	From: journalists-bounces at nfbnet.org on behalf of LoriStay at aol.com 
	Sent: Sun 7/9/2006 3:03 PM 
	To: journalists at nfbnet.org 
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	Subject: [Journalists] Guide dogs and emergencies per previous discussion
	
	

	
	 (http://www.guidedogs.com/index.html) 
	Emergencies Involving Guide Dog  Teams 
	By Brian Francis, Assessment and Graduate Services  Manager, Guide Dogs for
	the Blind 
	When a Guide Dog is involved in an emergency situation in a public place, 
	members of the emergency services such as police, fire and ambulance may require
	 some guidance regarding the Guide Dog. This information may also be passed
	on to  graduates who question how they should deal with an emergency situation.
	
	Emergency services should be informed that Guide Dogs for the Blind, Inc. is 
	ready to assist by providing information or direct assistance in an emergency
	 situation. This offer is not affected by the ownership status of the team.
	In  the case of an emergency, Guide Dogs for the Blind, Inc. should be informed
	of  the nature of the emergency as soon as possible. The graduate would
	normally do  this, but if this is not possible, a family member, friend or any
	agency may  inform us of the situation. If the welfare of the dog is in jeopardy,
	then Guide  Dogs for the Blind, Inc. will take action to remedy that
	situation. The name and  phone number of Guide Dogs for the Blind, Inc. is inscribed on
	the tag attached  to the dog’s collar or leash (1 800 295 4050). 
	When a graduate is involved in an emergency situation and they are present 
	and able to communicate, they should provide the necessary information
	regarding  the welfare of the dog. This may involve contacting a relative or friend
	who  will care for the dog while the graduate is unable to do so. Failing this,
	Guide  Dogs for the Blind, Inc. should be contacted for advice and assistance.
	
	If the graduate is involved in an emergency situation and requires ambulance 
	assistance to hospital, the dog may be transported with the graduate. This is
	on  the understanding that the graduate is able to maintain control over the
	dog and  there is no medical reason why the dog cannot be transported. 
	In the event that a graduate is unable to maintain control over the dog due 
	to injury, unconsciousness or any other reason, the attending professionals
	may  request that the dog is not transported with the graduate. In such a case,
	the  dog may be transferred to a friend or relative who is present or, failing
	this,  the dog may be transported to a local animal welfare organization for
	temporary  care. If responsibility for the care of the dog is transferred to
	any person  other than the graduate, Guide Dogs for the Blind, Inc. should be
	informed as  soon as possible by calling 1 800 295 4050.
	Information for emergency personnel 
	Under normal circumstances, the Guide Dog is a well-trained and friendly 
	animal that will display no aggression towards strangers. In an emergency or 
	accident situation the dog may become frightened, confused and apprehensive. If 
	this occurs the reaction from the dog may vary from not wishing to leave its 
	master to trying to escape the area. In extreme cases, the dog may show 
	aggressive or protective tendencies.
	Whenever possible, allow the graduate to control and reassure their dog. 
	Failing this a person who knows the dog is the best option to act as a calming 
	influence. If no assistance is available from the graduate, a friend or a
	family  member, the local animal welfare organization may be called to assist with 
	ensuring the safety of the dog and the emergency personnel.
	The approach taken towards a dog that is frightened or apprehensive should be
	 calm and quiet. The dog will require a reassuring attitude if it is to feel 
	secure. A loud or aggressive approach towards the dog will only aggravate the
	 fear in the dog. Food reward may be used to encourage a fearful dog to trust
	the  person communicating with it. Guide Dogs for the Blind may be contacted
	at any  time for advice on any particular situation by calling 1 800 295 4050.
	
	In any emergency situation, the welfare of the graduate will take precedence 
	over the dog. The dog should come to no harm if it is given care on a
	temporary  basis by any sensible and mature individual. Assistance will be given by
	Guide  Dogs for the Blind, Inc. at short notice when the situation warrants
	such  action.   
	____________________________________
	 
	_Back to Our  Graduates
	_ (http://www.guidedogs.com/graduates.html) _Back to the Home  Page_
	(http://www.guidedogs.com/)
	
	____________________________________
	
	Guide Dogs for the  Blind
	A nonprofit, charitable  organization
	
	(800) 295-4050 • _www.guidedogs.com_ (http://www.guidedogs.com/index.html)
	National Office: P.O. Box  151200 • San Rafael, California 94915-1200
	California Campus: 350 Los Ranchitos Road, San  Rafael, CA 94903 • (415)
	499-4000
	Oregon Campus:  32901 S.E. Kelso Road, Boring, OR 97009 • (503)  668-2100
	

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