Page 29 - Chiron Calling Autumn/Winter 2022

of strategy, risk and control; and adding value by eliminating duplication of effort and resources, reducing the burden of bureaucracy and providing a central point of expertise in relation to governance, risk management and assurance3.
We arrived at the term Veterinary Assurance by looking at these other areas; and use this term in our organisation to bring everything we offer under one overarching banner, allowing clients to use us as one central point of contact.
WHAT WE OFFER
In order to uphold these standards of ‘assurance’, and to support organisations, we offer:
1. Operational Working Dog First Aid Training. Our first aid course is certified by The CPD Certification Service, and we are delivering this to organisations such as Border Force, ICTS and Kryus, plus individuals and groups at our training centre in Somerset. We are also training mountain rescue medics who attend ‘canine’ rescues, international search and rescue teams,
and medics who work in the humanitarian aid, disaster response and expedition sectors across different ‘extreme’ environments.
2. Annual ‘Fit for Duty’ Certification, including vaccinations and anti-parasite
medications which are offered as part of a comprehensive annual ‘package’ per dog.
3. Veterinary Second Opinion. We support organisations by providing a second opinion service and advice on clinical decisions, either through clinical assessment or using our network of specialists who can assist in different areas.
4. Procurement and Retirement Support. This is a key area, and one which ties in with
the ‘Fit for Duty’ certification annually for the older dogs, but assessment of radiographs during the procurement process is also vital.
5. Exports. As a single point of contact for clients we use a trusted pet exporter to allow clients to move dogs overseas.
6. First Aid Kits. Our range of first aid kits extends from individual (IFAK), through a range of vehicle kits (some with more advanced dressings and harnesses) right up to base location or ‘FOB’ boxes.
7. Rehabilitation Support. Working with clients, we
can assist with recovery plans for any dogs that have recently had surgery or are returning to work, and we are currently trailing elements of a canine ‘fitness’ assessment developed in the US.
8. Remote Support. This is a
developing area and builds on the second opinion side of our work. We currently have a client working with mine detection dogs in Azerbaijan and are also in discussions involving the support of conservation working dog colleagues in Africa.
This area of work is vital to us as a community and even as a nation, upholding the moral contract we must optimise canine wellbeing. VTF can do this by providing handlers and organisations with the knowledge and practical resources to carry out essential first aid for their dogs, optimise prophylactic health care, and process exports
or procurements in a professional and timely manner. Lack of
proper preparation or inadequate equipment results in reduced performance, poor morale, and increased potential for negative outcomes, which leave both individuals and larger companies open to allegations of welfare and performance inadequacies.
As we grow as a business, including into work with other species and projects, we will be looking for team members to join our training and clinical teams; and are happy to discuss projects or collaborations if anyone wants to get in touch.
veterinarytaskforce.co.uk tom@veterinarytaskforce.co.uk 07762 051284
3 https://www.ouh.nhs.uk/about/trust- board/2015/november/documents/TB2015.137a- appendix.pdf
Moulage with subsequent casualty extraction scenario
Canine first aid kits on their way to Azerbaijan
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