In a recent announcement, South Yorkshire Police issued an urgent appeal to dog owners to secure their pets before emergency services personnel arrive at their premises.
This comes after a distressing event in Doncaster, where a paramedic was bitten while responding to an emergency call.
The incident unfolded last week in Armthorpe, a distressing reminder of animals’ unpredictable nature in tense situations.
A paramedic from the Yorkshire Ambulance Service was attending a call to treat a woman experiencing breathing difficulties at a property on Doncaster Road.
At approximately 2:45 pm on 20 March, the situation took a turn when the paramedic was attacked by a dog upon entering the home, resulting in non-life-threatening injuries to his arm.
The injured paramedic was promptly taken to the hospital and has since been discharged.
In light of this event, South Yorkshire Police is highlighting the importance of preparing pets for the arrival of emergency or healthcare personnel.
The force advises residents to secure their pets in a separate room or a safe space, especially if they have called 999 and are awaiting assistance from the police, ambulance, or fire services.
Chief Inspector Emma Cheney, leading the work on dangerous dogs in South Yorkshire, said:
“We understand that in emergency situations that tensions are heightened and sometimes locking your pets away isn’t a priority, but it needs to be.
“We, alongside other emergency services are here to help you. We cannot help if we are injured in the line of duty.
“Animals can act out of character and although you may not think your dog would bite, during times of stress and uncertainly, we cannot predict how they will act.”
Similarly, for those expecting scheduled visits from police officers or healthcare professionals, securing pets in advance can prevent potential agitation or aggressive behaviour triggered by the presence of strangers or the sound of knocking.
The police statement further revealed that the dog involved in the incident has been signed over to the authorities and is currently housed in kennels pending further investigation.
This police plea underscores the necessity of taking proactive steps to ensure the safety of emergency responders who serve the community.
By securing pets away from the immediate vicinity of the entry points, dog owners can help prevent such unfortunate incidents, ensuring that those who come to aid in times of crisis can do so without the added risk of animal attacks.
Emergencies are inherently stressful for both humans and animals. Recognising and mitigating potential triggers for pets can significantly contribute to the safety and efficiency of emergency response efforts.
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