Firefighters Save Animals

When the Washington Township Fire Department in Dublin, Ohio, announced plans for a trauma training course using live dogs, several firefighters were left scratching their heads. Why would they want to try emergency procedures on dogs when life-like manikins and anatomical simulators are readily available for demonstrating how to intubate a patient, insert a chest tube, and perform other life saving maneuvers?

The firefighters contacted PCRM. We sent Fire Chief Gene Bostic information on nonanimal alternatives, including our video Innovations in Trauma Training with Henry Heimlich, M.D., documenting the Baltimore, Maryland, advanced trauma training course which uses state-of-the-art simulators and human cadavers to train physicians in emergency procedures. We showed that non-animal methods are less expensive, provide an exact replica of human anatomy, enable students to repeat procedures until they reach proficiency, and eliminate a completely unnecessary use of animals.

Apparently Chief Bostic agreed, as we were soon informed that the planned animal laboratory had been canceled. For more information on innovative, nonanimal trauma training, contact our Research Department.