Vet will teach first aid for pets class

Monday, April 24, 2006

John Scamahorn has taught first aid before, just not to a classroom full of people.

However, the head doctor at the Animal Medical Clinic, 915 N. Jackson St., Greencastle, will do just that on Tuesday.

Dr. Scamahorn will conduct a Pet First Aid training clinic in conjunction with the Putnam County American Red Cross from 6:30-8 p.m. Tuesday, April 25, at the Courthouse Annex.

"I've done (First Aid training) on an informal basis," Dr. Scamahorn told the BannerGraphic Thursday.

Dr. Scamahorn is also certified for First Aid training in humans, but Tuesday's class will focus on cats and dogs.

"That's going to be our focus," he said. "We're going to go that route. I should be an interesting, fun course."

Dr. Scamahorn has practiced in Greencastle since 1972, and has been at his present location for 19 years.

He will use stuffed animals as examples at the course and will also provided slides.

"This is something that we've talked about doing for a while, to educate people what they can do," Dr. Scamahorn said. "People need to know the animal and emergency treatment."

He said not knowing proper procedure for animal First Aid can be detrimental.

"We do see people get injured in the process," he said. "They're putting themselves at risk."

An example, he said, is those who attempt to help an animal that was injured on a road.

"Our animals can't tell us where it hurts," he said. "You approach them, they're going to strike."

Dr. Scamahorn added veterinarians see more animal injuries in the spring and summer.

"This is the perfect time (to have the seminar)," he said. "When spring comes, everybody's out. We'll see more injuries through warm months than winter months. Pets mirror what we do."

He also said after recent hurricane disasters, including the devastation of the Gulf Coast from Hurricane Katrina, those who plan to attend the seminar will learn what to do with animals in such a crisis.

"A lot of people have no plan what they're going to do," he said.

Cost for the class is $20 per person, which includes a book and certification card. A Pet First Aid Kit may also be purchased for an additional $20.

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