The Nero's Law administrative requirement was updated by OEMS on 11/27/23. The training deadline for currently certified technicians working for ambulance services is still 2/10/24. Language was added for newly certified and/or hired technicians after the 2/10/24 date to be able to work in the field with the didactic training only with completion of the practical training within 1 year. Here is a link to the updated version: A/R 2-270 (updated 11/27/23)
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:
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:
Administrative Requirement 2-270: Requirements for Police Dog Treatment and Transport for EMS
Decontamination and Sanitization
Administrative Requirement 5-401K9: BLS Equipment List for Police Dog Care
Physical Address: 30 Locust St (1st floor of McCallum Building @ Cooley-Dickinson Hospital), Northampton, MA 01060
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1278, Northampton, MA 01601
M-F 0800-1600
Closed on State/Federal Holidays