Associated Injuries, Illnesses and Fatalities for milltary working dog handlers
Military working dog handlers may be at risk for a variety of injuries, illnesses, and fatalities due to the nature of their work with highly trained and potentially dangerous animals. Some potential associated injuries, illnesses, and fatalities for military working dog handlers may include:
1. Dog bites and scratches: Handlers are at risk of being bitten or scratched by their working dogs during training exercises or missions.
2. Musculoskeletal injuries: Handlers may experience musculoskeletal injuries from physically demanding tasks such as running, jumping, and grappling with their working dogs.
3. Heat-related illnesses: Handlers may be at risk for heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion or heat stroke while working outdoors in hot environments.
4. Psychological trauma: Handlers may experience psychological trauma from witnessing or being involved in combat situations with their working dogs.
5. Infectious diseases: Handlers may be at risk of contracting infectious diseases from their working dogs, such as rabies or zoonotic infections.
6. Training accidents: Handlers may be at risk of injuries during training exercises with their working dogs, such as falls or collisions.
7. Explosive hazards: Handlers may be at risk of injury or fatality from explosive hazards while working in combat zones with their working dogs.
8. Vehicle accidents: Handlers may be at risk of vehicle accidents while transporting their working dogs to and from training sites or missions.
In the unfortunate event of a fatality related to military working dog handling, the handler's family and colleagues may be entitled to compensation and support services through the military's survivor benefits program. It is important for military working dog handlers to receive proper training, equipment, and support to minimize the risk of injuries, illnesses, and fatalities while working with their canine partners.