GOSHEN, Ind. (WSBT) — Firefighters in Goshen have a new furry friend to rely on in the aftermath of distress calls.
“When we’re at the station, she’ll go to the guys who might be having a worse day than the other ones. And that’s not directed from me, that’s just from her wanting to be there for people,” said Andrew Priem, Goshen Fire Mobile Integrated Health coordinator.
If her coat doesn’t give her name away, her eager and sweet nature will.
Firefighters in Goshen have a new furry friend to rely on in the aftermath of distress calls. (WSBT Video)
Not only is Maple trained to comfort firefighters at the station, soon she’ll soon be bringing that same emotional support to the rest of the community.
In just two months, she’ll complete her training to respond to calls of duress from a recent tragedy or a mental health incident.
“So whether people are dealing with social service needs like food, housing, clothing, that sort of stuff, or specifically mental health, behavioral health, homelessness and addiction, that sort of stuff. Maple rides along with me and is just there as a support for those people,” said Priem.
Inspired by the mobile health team in Noblesville, Andrew Priem believes Maple can make a difference in convincing people to get help when they’re unsure.
“And they had stories of people who wouldn’t connect with the paramedics or the providers who showed up. But then once they brought the dog in, they’re like, Okay, I’ll come with you, but the dog has to come as well. So that’s the goal is just to get more people engaged and get more people into the help that they need. And Maple’s going to help that happen a lot more often,” said Priem.
According to Priem, Maple will be instrumental in his job to serve those who fall through the cracks of traditional 911 response.
“Let’s say a 911 call, somebody’s having a behavioral health emergency. So we’re kind of going to know, hey, this person’s struggling or have an idea of what’s going on. But I think with her and maybe with dogs in general, it’s kind of inherent, right?” said Priem. Comment with Bubbles
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Maple is still finishing her training during the weekdays, but is expected to finish her certification within two or three months.