Outline of the Levels of the Specialized Study Program
Specialized Study Program Level 1
The goals of the sVERT Special Studies Program are two-fold: (1) to prepare veterinary students with the knowledge and practical training to be able to engage with and serve the community in the event of a disaster and (2) to establish a set of basic understanding and skills that can be expected of a veterinary student during an incident response.
Students can choose one of the three tracks listed below:
Core Lectures
1. ICS, Agencies, Veterinarian Roles
The Incident Command System is a management system designed to operate during domestic incident events by structuring a common command system for different facilities, equipment, personnel, procedures, and communications. It is important for veterinarians to know the chain of commands, how to operate within this structured system, and what the key roles and responsibilities are as a veterinarian.
2. Biosecurity
Learning proper personal protective equipment needed to work in shelter settings and upholding biosecurity to minimize the spread of infectious, zoonotic, and toxic agents.
3. Humane Euthanasia
Students must understand different humane methods of euthanasia, how to verify an animal’s death, body care after death, personnel debrief, and public media communication.
Skillset and Hands-on activities
1. Include training on: Behavior, Capture, Restraint, Evacuation, Field Triage for Companion Animal and Large Animal
Students must be knowledgeable with different movement techniques, capture and restraints, evacuation, and reunification in addition to triage during incidences.
2. Includes training on: Emergency Sheltering of Companion and Large Animal, Triage, Initial Medical Care
Students should understand elements of emergency sheltering (facility, resources, capacity), triage, emergency medical treatments and bandaging.
Hands-On Wetlab Series:
Companion Animal Wetlabs
Emergency Sheltering
Small Animal Bandaging
Small Animal Capture and Restraint
Large Animal Wetlabs
Rescue and management of recumbent horse
Vertical lift with UC Davis Large Animal Lift and loops system
Anderson sling support device
Loose livestock movement and capture
Bandaging techniques for large animals
Specialized Study Program Level 2
Provide applications and hands-on training for future veterinarians to handle emergency situations during disaster events. Students who have completed SSP Level 1 continues to take courses from one of the three tracks listed below:
Core Lectures
1. Emergency Medical Care, including Fluid Therapy, Sedation, and Other Medical Treatments
Additional Lectures - varies within each year
Hands-On Wetlab Series:
Required
Mock Emergency Incident with fire department on trailer and car accident with involving animals
Mock Deployment with CVET
Medical care and bandaging including care of burned patients
*Lectures and Wetlab are subjected to change and updated throughout the year.