K911 Conference - About
K911 is vital training for emergency service and law enforcement personnel in the immediate, stabilizing care of the injured working dog. Not only will you learn first-aid procedures, but also to look for signs of injury or illness. You will learn how to perform these skills in the field, utilizing the tools that you would already have available.
K911 is a one day course. Saturday starts out with six hours of lectures and ends with a three hour hands on skill session. There are no pre-qualifications needed to attend the lectures. Anyone may attend the skills session, however you must be trained in human emergency medicine to perform certain skills in the skills session. Please visit the registration page for a list of requirements.
Why?
Recent disasters such as Hurricane Katrina and the World Trade Center attack have shown that there is a great need for more emergency canine medical training for dog handlers and emergency personnel. In emergency situations, veterinary care is not always readily available.
In 2004, a local paramedic and search and rescue dog handler approached WMRL to request that we offer a course similar to one that he heard about in Florida. The course was "K-9 Down—Are You Prepared?" This course was designed and taught by Dr. Sheilah Robertson of the University of Florida. WMRL contacted Dr. Robertson and together we developed "K911: Emergency Life Support for the Search and Rescue Dog."
Who?
You will learn hands-on instruction from George Bohart, D.V.M., Matthew W. Beal, D.V.M., and L. Ari Jutkowitz, V.M.D., all dedicated veterinarians from Michigan State University.
Where?
West Michigan Regional Laboratory is located in Grand Rapids, Michigan on the campus of Calvin College. K911 lectures and skill session will take place at WMRL.
Continuing Education Credits
Continuing education credits are available through Michigan State University and American Medical Response. Please contact WMRL for more information.
MCOLES Funding
Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES) funding is available for police officers employed by the State of Michigan.
To find out more, visit MCOLES or contact your department's training officer.