A group of therapy dog handlers and their canine companions gathered at the Park County Search and Rescue Building on April 12 for a training session aimed at preparing them to support emergency responders dealing with trauma. This unique program, led by Linda Waggoner, is designed to incorporate dogs into the Park County Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) team to help first responders cope with the emotional toll of their work.
The session featured approximately ten dog-handler pairs, sitting in a large circle with their dogs at their sides. The dogs, leashed and lying on blankets, pads, or throws, remained calm as one of the dog-less participants simulated a traumatic experience, allowing the dogs to stay still as part of their training.
“This is all about preparing the dogs for critical incidents,” Waggoner explained. “The dogs help by providing a calming energy that allows responders to relax and process their emotions.”
Waggoner, a retired Search and Rescue member and K9 handler, was inspired to add trauma dogs to the CISM team after witnessing their positive impact following a fire in Bozeman. The dogs provide crucial emotional support during debriefings after stressful incidents, helping to ease the intensity for those affected.
“Petting a dog helps ground you,” said Jona Vanata, who now oversees the trauma dog program. “Dogs can offer a calming presence that makes it easier for responders to deal with the stress they’ve experienced.”
The trauma dogs are trained to handle higher levels of stress compared to typical therapy dogs. They are exposed to various stressors, including loud noises and the scents of stress emitted by humans, preparing them to be effective in a variety of challenging environments. After the training, Waggoner works with the handlers to evaluate their readiness and the dogs’ ability to handle such stress.
The CISM program, which Waggoner co-founded in 1985, has been instrumental in helping first responders manage critical incident stress through education, support, and intervention. A key part of the program is a color-coded drop box that allows responders to anonymously communicate their emotional state, from “ready” to “critical.” This system has been well-received, with responders using it to signal when additional support is needed.
After a critical incident, the team provides debriefing sessions to help responders process the trauma they’ve experienced. These sessions are conducted in a circle to promote openness and minimize distractions. The introduction of trauma dogs into these debriefings offers additional emotional support, allowing responders to interact with the dogs before and after the discussion.
“The dogs will help take the edge off,” Waggoner said. “Their presence alone provides a calming effect that enhances the effectiveness of the debriefing.”
The program aims to offer responders a sense of relief and reassurance, helping them feel less isolated in their experiences. “Dogs can provide release and give permission to feel,” Waggoner explained. “The trauma dog teams will elevate the stress mitigation process, providing a higher level of support.”
Through years of research, the debriefing process has proven highly effective, and with the addition of therapy dogs, the program is poised to provide even greater relief to those who face the most challenging situations.
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