Nero’s Law

The Nero's Law administrative requirement has been updated. The new deadline for implementation is 2/10/2024. Some training requirements and instructor qualifications have been updated also. Please read carefully!

Practical training sessions currently available:

UMass Amherst on 10/23/23 & Baystate Health Education Center (Holyoke) on 11/4/23. ****Click here for more information and to sign up.****. YOU MUST COMPLETE THE DIDACTIC TRAINING BEFORE SIGNING UP FOR A PRACTICAL SESSION.

update 4/28/23 ONLINE DIDACTIC TRAINING is available! Region 2 is hosting the training video on their Learning Management System.

Here is the link to register:On-Line Didactic Nero Training Training is free but you must use this key to register:

Reg1WMA-Nero (note, this Key is for Region 1 EMTs only. Outside Region 1 consult your Regional Office)

This program is approved for 1.5 hours EMS credit; you will receive a certificate of completion at program conclusion

Updated Nero's Law Administrative Requirement as of 2/3/23

We have training equipment to loan at no cost! Thanks to funding from the Western Regional Homeland Security Council, we have the following equipment available for REGION 1 agencies to borrow:

12 Canine CPR manikins
12 practice muzzles
12 canine oxygen masks
12 canine tourniquets

Call our office 413-586-6065 to reserve. There is no cost to borrow this equipment, provided it is returned in good condition.

Agencies can begin providing K-9 care as soon as staff is trained and any required equipment is stocked.

All EMTs working for ambulance services are required to have initial training and then refresher training (didactic only) every 2 years. If the agency has a waiver from OEMS to not participate in the K9 Program, staff is not required to attend training.

EMTs who do not work for ambulance services are not required to have the training and are encouraged to step back and allow those who must have it as part of their work responsibilities to have first availability.

Agencies can apply for a waiver by writing a letter to the OEMS Director. The letter must include justification based on the wording in the Law " "The department may grant a waiver from this section if the department determines that compliance poses a safety risk to the public." We suggest that an example of 'safety risk' might include extremely long transport times to POE-designated veterinarian services with limited mutual aid available.

Required Documents:

K-9 Care Protocols BLS Only

K-9 Point Of Entry Plan

Updated continuing ed requirements, including K-9 training

Decontamination and Sanitization

Proposed Required Ambulance Equipment for K9 comments from ambulance licensee representatives only to OEMS