Nero’s Law allows emergency medical services (EMS) personnel to assess, treat, and transport police K-9s injured in the line of duty, requiring them to complete specific training.
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Purpose:Nero’s Law, formally known as Chapter 23 of the Acts of 2022, aims to provide emergency medical care and transport for police dogs injured while performing their duties.Background:The law was inspired by a tragic incident in 2018 where Yarmouth Police Sergeant Sean Gannon was killed, and his K-9 partner, Nero, was severely injured, but could not be treated by EMS due to existing laws.Key Provisions:
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EMS personnel are authorized to provide basic life support and other life-saving interventions to injured police K-9s.
- This includes first aid, CPR, and administering medications like naloxone.
- EMS personnel are permitted to transport injured police K-9s to veterinary facilities.