Inside the race to save K9 Havoc: Macon Road Veterinary Clinic details life-saving response
When critically injured Columbus Police K9 Havoc arrived at Macon Road Veterinary Clinic after being shot in the line of duty two weeks ago, staff members had only moments to act.
Within seconds, receptionists, technicians, veterinarians and administrators transformed the clinic into an emergency trauma center, working together to stabilize the police K-9 before he could be flown to Auburn for advanced care.
Before Havoc Arrived
Hospital Manager Amanda McCarver said she received a phone call shortly after 1 p.m. that a police K-9 had been shot and was on the way to the clinic.
Although she wasn’t at the clinic when Havoc arrived, she immediately began directing staff by phone.
Receptionists Sarah and Ella ushered officers and Havoc into an exam room before moving him into the treatment area. McCarver instructed staff to apply a tourniquet if necessary and begin oxygen therapy while doctors rushed to the clinic.
Every Second Counted
Once veterinarians arrived, the team focused on controlling Havoc’s bleeding, managing his pain and treating severe shock.
McCarver said Havoc’s elevated body temperature was a major concern because prolonged shock can quickly lead to organ damage or even death.
A standard tourniquet alone wasn’t enough to stop the bleeding.
Instead, the veterinary team used extensive bandaging while simultaneously treating shock, administering oxygen and sedation, and checking for additional injuries.
When they realized the amount of blood Havoc had lost, the clinic immediately collected blood from donor dogs owned by Dr. Brooks for an emergency transfusion.
Training Prepared Them
McCarver said emergencies like Havoc’s require extensive training and constant preparation.
Doctors regularly attend continuing education programs, and McCarver completed a police K-9 emergency training course with local law enforcement agencies last year.
While gunshot trauma cases aren’t everyday occurrences, she said the clinic handles serious emergency cases every few months.
Teamwork Made the Difference
McCarver credited the clinic’s teamwork for Havoc’s successful stabilization.
“It almost gets to the point where you’re not even having to communicate a lot. Everybody knows what their job is and what they need to be doing,” she said.
“There was no arguing. Everything just ran so smoothly.”
Preparing for the Flight
As Havoc responded to treatment, veterinarians determined he needed advanced surgery and diagnostics unavailable at the clinic.
Because transporting an injured police K-9 presents unique challenges, McCarver said previous planning with law enforcement proved invaluable.
The clinic already had a plan in place for where a medical helicopter would land if a police K-9 ever needed emergency transport.
Once Havoc’s body temperature began responding to treatment and he was stable enough to travel, he was flown to Auburn University for specialized care.
An Emotional Moment
Despite remaining focused during the emergency, McCarver said the emotions hit after Havoc was loaded onto the helicopter.
“It didn’t really hit me until we loaded Havoc onto the helicopter and I had to walk away,” she said.
“That’s when I broke down.”
McCarver said the situation was especially emotional because many clinic employees personally knew both Havoc and his handler.
More Than Just a Patient
McCarver said caring for police K-9s carries a unique responsibility.
Echoing Columbus Police Chief Stoney Mathis’ remarks after the shooting, she said Havoc was treated not as equipment but as a fellow officer.
She also praised Columbus police officers for giving the veterinary team complete confidence to make whatever medical decisions were necessary.
“There were no questions at all,” she said. “They said, ‘Do whatever you need to do for Havoc.'”
Community Support
McCarver said the overwhelming support from the community has meant a great deal to the clinic.
“We’re not a big corporate clinic. We’re a mom-and-pop clinic,” she said.
“The community’s been very supportive of Havoc, Brent and everyone involved.”
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