Class Information
BLS - Basic Life Saving
BLS introduces our entry-level curriculum through its interactive format, designed to enhance learning experiences for students. It allows participants not only to absorb knowledge but also to apply what they have learned in a practical setting with our lab stations after our lectures.
Furthermore, this class emphasizes the development of basic assessment skills, with live dogs serving as subjects. Students are taught how to carry out basic emergency care if needed as well as analyze typical work cycles and off duty behavior. This approach equips students with the ability to identify and prevent potential injuries and illnesses at an early stage, promoting better outcomes for K9 partners.
ALS - Advanced Life Saving
Advanced life saving covers our extensive range of crucial topics that are essential for providing effective medical care for your K9 Partners. These include but are not limited to - Understanding different patterns of behavior that may indicate illness requiring urgent veterinary attention, techniques for restraining and muzzling, Proper positioning of a K9 in different emergency scenarios, the correct way to bandage wounds in the field before transit to a veterinary hospital, recognizing normal vital signs VS abnormal vital signs, providing oxygen support in transit, advanced CPR - including intubation, choking emergencies, managing bleeding and puncture wounds (such as bullet and knife wounds), Medications used and administering narcan, conducting post-search decontamination procedures, recognizing and treating toxins, heat stroke situations, and mastering the skill of IV catheters in Canine. Dr. Daniel Almeida will also delve into other complex and challenging scenarios that may arise in the field.
In Advanced life-saving techniques, it is imperative to have a solid grasp of critical topics to ensure the best possible outcomes. With our ALS class we hope to bring confidence to Handlers and Emergency Service Personnel.
Below are some essential topics covered in our classes. Topics marked with an asterisk (*) are covered during our ALS Class sessions. These subjects are crucial for a comprehensive understanding of our curriculum and are thoroughly reviewed to ensure a well-rounded educational experience for all participants.
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) - artificial respirations and chest compressions - Research shows that starting CPR early outside of hospitals improves the likelihood of return of spontaneous circulation and full recovery. Recognizing the need and knowing canine CPR procedures will enable rescuers to optimize the chances of survival for these patients.
GDV/Bloat - Addresses common misconceptions as well as preventative measures. Discussions you can have with your K9’s Primary Vet as well as well as signs to watch for at home or on duty with your K9 Partner.
Heat-Related Illness/Injury- Focuses on the recognition and treatment of heat stroke and other heat-induced conditions. It emphasizes the importance of early detection and the application of cooling methods to prevent severe organ damage.
Bleeding Control - Covers techniques for managing hemorrhages, including wound packing and the application of tourniquets (TQ). Regular human tourniquets are not suitable for use on canines due to anatomical differences, prompting the need for specialized equipment or techniques.
Airway Management * - Procedures for ensuring airways are not obstructed during critical moments, such as intubation.
Respiration Awareness - Covers respiratory abnormalities
Field Medicine/Chemical Restraint *- Removing the complexity of dosage calculations by providing straightforward guidelines, ensuring that animals receive the correct therapeutic interventions without the stress of mathematical errors.
Fluid Management - This reviews the importance of maintaining proper hydration and managing fluid replacement in scenarios of dehydration, and blood loss, highlighting the critical aspect of fluid balance for Working Dogs.
IV Placement * - explains the techniques for establishing intravenous (IV) access, which are vital for the administration of medications and fluids in emergency situations.
Toxicity Preparedness - Provides guidelines on how to respond to the ingestion of toxic substances, outlining steps to mitigate the Toxins impact and the importance of swift veterinary intervention.
Snake Bite - Pre hospital medical care and the importance of certain actions for higher recovery chances as well as long term damage. This information varies state to state on what species are local threats to your working dog therefore we review and customize accordingly.
Other K-9 Emergencies * - Lastly, a variety of other emergencies that affect canines, offering framework for stabilization and care, pending professional veterinary treatment.
Our goal is to equip Handlers as well as any involved with Working Dogs the knowledge and skills necessary to execute prompt and effective field care, These are not all of the topics included with out Lectures/Labs.