Certificate

Dr. Lisa Murphy is a veterinarian and certified veterinary toxicologist. In 2001, she was a member of Veterinary Medical Assistance Team 2 (VMAT-2) based in Maryland with responders drawn from a broad geographical area. VMAT-2 was deployed to the World Trade Center site approximately two weeks after 9/11. That timing was of critical importance to the work being performed by the dogs at the site and to the kind of training the dogs would require. Most of the K-9 handlers and dog teams in the early stages of the disaster response were search and rescue teams. By the time VMAT-2 arrived most of the dogs were cadaver dogs. The physical hazards of the World Trade Center site and the veterinary needs of the dogs were similar. Although Dr. Murphy’s primary responsibility was to treat canine injuries and provide overall care for the working dogs before, during, and after their shifts, her training as a veterinary toxicologist was recognized by FEMA and VMAT responders as of particular value. Dr. Murphy was asked to compile a list of chemicals, biological hazards, toxins, and other potential contaminants that the working dogs might encounter given the unique nature of the disaster site and to educate and build awareness among the dog handlers.