While at SOF Week 2023 in Tampa, Florida from May 8-11, 2023, I visited a number of very interesting and informative displays in the exhibition hall. One of the more compelling booths featured TACMED Solutions K9 Diesel. This highly realistic training manikin is provided for Military Working Dog (MWD) handlers, veterinarians, first responders, and others to help them to render aid to a MWD at the Point of Injury . . . and later in the emergency veterinary clinic.
Diesel was named in memory of a heroic canine who died in the line of duty following the 2015 Paris terror attacks. The training manikin was developed jointly with the U.S. Special Operations Command. Diesel weighs approximately 55 pounds and is based on a Belgian Malinois.
Training Scenarios. K9 Diesel offers 28 different medical training interventions and features. These include active bleeding, active breathing, sounds, pulses, and a realistic mouth and airway for intubation. Each of the training features replicate the look, feel, and function of actual medical procedures. The manikin can breathe, has interchangeable limbs, and has a pulse. It provides opportunities to treat for intestinal evisceration, airway management, intubation, CPR, and more.
Photos: Left – a dog handler treating his MWD (K9 Diesel) during a mission (training). Right – K9 Diesel receiving treatment in a medical clinic setting (training).
Manikin Features. It has unique details such as barking, whimpering, growling, a moveable jaw, and breathing response. The airway is adjustable – from slow (10 bpm) to panting (120 bpm). A wireless remote control provides real-time sensor data and provides for programming and customizing different medical scenarios.
Accessories. There are quite a few accessories that are available for K9 Diesel. One is the TAcMed K9 Tourniquet; another is the TacMed K9 Handler Trauma Kit. There is also a K9 TCCC – Rental Bundle; available as part of the TACMED Solutions Trauma Simulator Rental Program.
Photos: Left – K9 Diesel undergoing fixed wing medevac (training). Right – K9 Diesel being treated by dog handler for amputated leg (training).
K9 Diesel is used by the DoD Military Working Dog program as well as civilian law enforcement to train MWD handlers in lifesaving first aid procedures for their MWD partners. Countries from all over the world have purchased Diesel, including the U.S. UK, Canada, Australia, Norway, and more.
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Photos: All images courtesy of and with permission of TACMED Solutions.
References:
TACMED Solutions K9 Diesel
https://tacmedsolutions.com/products/k9-diesel
Video – K9 Tactical Combat Casualty Care Training, DVIDS, May 11, 2021, 3 mins. Members of the 1st Special Operations Security Forces Squadron receive K9 medical training.
https://www.dvidshub.net/video/795806/public-health-command-atlantic-k9-tactical-combat-casualty-care-point-entry-training
Video – K-9 Diesel Advanced Medical Trainer. Video from ShotShow 2020, YouTube, February 6, 2020.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJJxFKdAi38
K9 Diesel: Advanced Canine Medical Trainer User Guide, 2021, PDF, 91 pages. Link
K9 Diesel Canine Medical Trainer Quick Start Guide, PDF, 2 pages. Link
