Critically ill or injured public safety working dogs across Michigan have a new air transport option for emergency veterinary care in East Lansing.

Michigan State University’s Veterinary Medical Center partnered with Corewell Health Aero Med and North Flight Aero Med to create Spartan Shield, which the partners describe as Michigan’s first emergency air transport program for public safety dogs, according to MSUToday.

The service operates around the clock for on-duty dogs serving law enforcement, the military and other public safety organizations that need immediate lifesaving treatment, according to the program’s website. Flight crews are trained to treat conditions including severe bleeding, heat illness, airway emergencies, cardiac arrest, burns and poisoning.

9&10 News reported that the program launched Wednesday, Oct. 21.

North Flight Aero Med is a joint venture between Corewell Health and Munson Healthcare. Its crews and those from Corewell Health Aero Med transport canine patients to MSU’s Veterinary Medical Center for specialized treatment.

Matthew Beal, an emergency and critical care specialist at the center, said hospital teams can prepare before a dog arrives.

“At the push of a button, a robocall goes to our team saying, ‘Hey, you need to get to the hospital.’ There’s no question about it,” Beal said in MSU’s announcement.

Depending on the patient’s needs, specialists in surgery, anesthesia, emergency medicine, critical care, blood banking and imaging can assemble overnight or on weekends.

MSU clinicians and flight crews developed procedures and training for treating dogs aboard aircraft. Preparations included communication exercises and a live transport drill, according to MSUToday.

Leslie Schutte, manager of clinical flight operations for Aero Med and North Flight Aero Med at Corewell Health, said the teams developed the service after identifying a gap in emergency care access for canine officers.

The Lansing Police Department had six K-9 teams, according to a September WILX report.

Public safety agencies can find eligibility information and contacts for program questions on the Veterinary Medical Center’s Spartan Shield page.