Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD) – Claire Pesterfield & Charlie Richardson

In 2017, after 22 years with the NHS, Claire joined Medical Detection Dogs as its Medical Liaison. The charity trains assistance dogs to support people living with life-threatening medical conditions. Her role includes conducting clinical assessments, liaising with specialist healthcare teams, delivering education and providing emergency medical assistance on site.

This work inspired Claire to undertake further training in pre-hospital care. She subsequently became a pre-hospital care trainer and, in 2024, qualified as an Ambulance Nurse. She continues to work in this role alongside her responsibilities at Medical Detection Dogs.

Medical detection and assistance dogs can also support people with Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD). The dogs may be trained to recognise early physiological and behavioural signs of rising distress, including changes in their handler’s breath or sweat, and to provide an early alert. They can also perform physical grounding tasks to help their handler manage trauma-related episodes.