The Course
 

K-9 Down is a highly specialized program designed for professional working dog handlers and emergency rescue personnel - anyone who may respond to canine health emergencies in the field. The course is tailored for police officers, firefighters, medics, search and rescue teams, military dog handlers or other canine handlers with specialized training. The course is two days in length. A series of lectures are presented the first day on topics ranging from the normal canine physical exam to toxicities and heat exhaustion. On the second day, the group is divided and assigned to one of two half day sessions, which offer hands-on training in small group sessions. Please refer to the course schedule for more information. Although the instructors vary slightly, the same course content is provided at all three locations. Space is limited to 40 registrants per course.

There is also an option for advanced medical training. This session is reserved for personnel who have previously attended the aforementioned K-9 Down session and desire further training, or if you already have advanced medical training in your current profession (ie. physicians, tactical medics, paramedics, etc.). This advanced course is only being offered at NCSU. Please click on the link to the NCSU website for more information.

Lectures
Health Hazards, Examination, IV/Oxygen/Transport, Fluid Therapy, Heat Stroke/Hypothermia, Smoke Inhalation, Burn Wounds, Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus (Bloat), Gun Shot Wounds/bandaging, Poisoning, Emergency Drugs
Laboratories
Vital Signs, Safe Handling, Transport Technique, IV Catheters, Endotracheal Intubation, Bandaging/Splinting/Tourniquet, Oxygen Administration, Stomach Tube, CPR
 

Course Organizer
Rita Hanel, DVM, DACVIM (Internal Medicine), DACVECC
Clinical Assistant Professor, Emergency and Critical Care
NC State College of Veterinary Medicine

Instructors
Sheilah Robertson, DVM, DACVA
Associate Professor, Anesthesia and Pain Management
University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine

Kirsten Cooke, DVM, DACVIM
Clinical Assistant Professor, Internal Medicine
University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine

Mike Reems, DVM, DACVS
Surgeon
Florida Veterinary Specialists, Tampa

Mark Levy, DVM, DACVS
Surgeon
Florida Veterinary Specialists, Tampa

Steve Marks, BVSc, MS, MRCVS, DACVIM
Clinical Associate Professor, Critical Care and Internal Medicine
NC State College of Veterinary Medicine

Kent Vince, DVM
Resident, Small Animal Surgery
NC State College of Veterinary Medicine

Brian Trumpatori, DVM
Resident, Small Animal Surgery
NC State College of Veterinary Medicine