DEVON and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service has recruited the first defusing therapy dog in the UK.

Digby, a four-month-old Australian labradoodle, is busy completing his socialisation training and when he reaches eight months old and has been fully assessed by Pets as Therapy (PAT) he will become a Therapy K9.

Defusing helps to protect firefighters from harm and reduces days lost to sickness.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service’s critical incident defusing process has proven itself to add real value in preventing long term psychological damage after firefighters attend traumatic operational incidents, by reducing the risk of post traumatic stress disorder.

The assessment is all about Digby having the right personality and confidence around people, particularly young people.

He needs to be a friendly, sociable dog that is happy in large groups as he will also provide contact with vulnerable people in schools, hospices and hospitals for the charity Pets as Therapy.

Digby will also be available to Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service supporting Critical Incident Defusing alongside his handler operational licence and training delivery manager Matt Goodman (pictured with Digby), when he is assisting a crew who have returned from a traumatic incident. The fire crew will have the option for Digby to attend the defusing session.

Matt said: ‘The use of therapy dogs has been scientifically proven to help people who have been exposed to traumatic situations or who are dealing with very challenging situations in their lives such as ill health or learning ability.’

The fire and rescue sector makers good use of canines as arson dogs or live scent rescue dogs, but from his research Matt believes that Digby would be the first therapy dog to support firefighters during the defusing process.

Australian labradoodles are also specifically bred for their hypoallergenic fleece, which is very soft and less likely to cause an allergic reaction.

Digby is on trial at the moment with the fire service and on a day-to-day basis is 100% Matt’s responsibility and operates under Matt’s risk assessment when attending a session.