Law enforcement and military dogs (K9s) face unavoidable, life-threatening situations every day. While on the job, many experience heat related incidents such as heat stroke, often leading to death. To prevent unnecessary K9 deaths, law enforcement units from Massachusetts, Arizona and Texas have invested in a wireless monitoring system that communicates the K9's internal body temperature to their human officer partners in real-time.
Data Sciences International (DSI) has partnered with Blueforce Development Corporation (Blueforce) to introduce a revolutionary system designed to ensure occupational health and safety for law enforcement and military K9's while working in dangerous environmental conditions.
"Our police dogs face challenging situations every day," said Major Kenneth J. Ballinger, (ret), Plymouth County (MA) Sheriff's Dept (pictured). "This technology will not only ensure our dogs stay healthy while in the field, but it will also help our officer's keep their dogs in the best possible condition by continuously monitoring their overall health."
With this system, the K9's internal body temperature is continuously measured by a small implanted sensor that communicates to a receiver attached to the K9's protective gear. The receiver relays the information to the K9 officer's smart phone that will instantly alert the officer if the K9's body temperature exceeds safe health limits.
"Our active involvement in public safety revealed that officers have serious K9 safety needs," said Mike Helfrich, CEO, Blueforce. "We expect this solution to help save K9 lives by communicating real-time temperature."
The system leverages DSI's vast experience with manufacturing implantable telemetry. "Our company is built on a vision of providing the most humane methods for collecting physiologic information from animals," said Bert Harman, CEO of DSI. "Improving the welfare of the working dogs that keep our communities safe is a natural extension for our business."
