Polytrauma - The First 30 Minutes Workshop

This hands-on, simulation-based workshop immerses participants in the initial management of common veterinary emergencies, with a focus on polytrauma cases. Using a combination of low- to medium-fidelity task trainers, interactive mannequins, and high-fidelity virtual reality point-of-care ultrasound simulators, participants will work in small teams to assess and stabilize critically ill patients. Scenarios such as a high-rise cat and a dog hit by a car will be used to simulate real-world trauma presentations. The workshop is designed for veterinarians in general and first-opinion emergency practice and emphasizes practical decision-making, team communication, and technical skill integration in a controlled, high-yield learning environment. 

Learning Objectives:  

1. Identify life-threatening injuries in simulated polytrauma patients based on physical exam findings, triage information, and diagnostic imaging 
2. Prioritize emergency interventions using a standardized primary and secondary survey approach 
3. Perform technical skills relevant to trauma stabilization, including thoracocentesis, chest tube placement, and basic wound management using task trainers 
4. Interpret point of care ultrasound (POCUS) exam results using a virtual reality ultrasound simulator 
5. Develop initial diagnostic and treatment plans for polytrauma patients based on case presentation and team discussion 
6. Demonstrate closed-loop communication and role-assignment during team-based trauma resuscitation scenarios 
7. Evaluate the patient’s response to interventions and adjust the treatment plan accordingly within the simulation environment