MRC of Dutchess Presents First Aid for Pets Program on August 9th

The Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) of Dutchess County, in conjunction with the Dutchess County Animal Response Team, will offer a presentation on First Aid for Pets on Thursday, August 9th, at 7 p.m., at the Dutchess County Department of Emergency Response (DER), 392 Creek Road in Poughkeepsie.  The training is free, and the public is welcome to attend.  Registration prior to the event is required.

The program will be presented by Paul S. McNamara, DVM, founder of Odin’s Fund, an organization whose mission is to provide free first aid training to as many canine handlers as possible.  In addition to fulfilling his duties as Chief of Surgery at Hudson Highlands Veterinary Medical Group, Dr. McNamara is consulting veterinarian for the U.S. Department of Justice/ Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and is a subject matter expert and instructor at the National Center for Security and Preparedness at SUNY Albany and the NYS Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Services.  Currently Dr. McNamara is a tactical veterinarian and Special Deputy with the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office.

The Medical Reserve Corps of Dutchess County is part of a national network of more than 200,000 volunteers dedicated to supporting public health infrastructure as well as disaster preparedness and response in the community.  Both medical professionals and non-medical volunteers are needed.

For more information about the Medical Reserve Corps, or help with registering, please contact MRC Coordinator Joe Ryan at (845) 486-2493 or jryan@dutchessny.gov.  For information on upcoming trainings, visit www.dutchessny.gov/mrc