What if SAR dog is injured

If the SAR dog is having trouble breathing because of an injury to its throat or due to blockage, keep the SAR dog calm and if necessary perform the Heimlich maneuver on it. When dealing with an unknown injury that appears serious enough to require the veterinarian's intervention be sure that while you are transporting the dog to the veterinarian continue (if you can) checking the SAR dog for bleeding (internal or external), signs of choking, fractures, shock (rapid pulse and general weakness), hypothermia, frostbite, heatstroke, faintness, etc…

As you are checking the SAR dog for symptoms that could help with the diagnosis and treatment be sure to keep in mind the SAR dog's well being and comfort. Be careful to not do anything that could cause the SAR dog further injury or pain. The first priorities when dealing with an injured dog is to staunch bleeding wounds and in the event that the SAR dog is not breathing or has no pulse to perform CPR. On the other hand if you are dealing with a fracture you mustn't move the SAR dog unless all of the needed precautions and safety measures have been taken. Try to calm the injured dog. If it is scared, in pain or fearful treat it with tenderness and care.

Never touch any open wounds with your fingers, hands or any other non-sterile objects unless there just aren't any sterile bandages available. In these cases you should use the cleanest material you can find, such as a freshly washed handkerchief, strips of bed sheets, a towel, etc… If you are out away from help and have nothing else available it is also possible to use the inside of your shirt (the cleanest part) but this should only be done in extreme circumstances. If you come across your SAR dog and it is unconscious never try to give it anything to eat or drink until it has fully and completely regained its senses. Never give a dog any kind of alcoholic beverage. If the dog is even semi-conscious and you give it something to eat or drink, it could cause the SAR dog to vomit which could then cause some of the vomit to accidentally be entered into the do's lungs where it could cause an infection or it could cause a blockage of the dog's airways leading to asphyxiation and death.