Managing the trauma patient
April 25–27, 2025
Please note: we are moving over to the new West Beach Conference Center in 2025. This center is still within the Kiawah Island Golf Resort.
Ross Palmer DVM, MS.
Diplomat, American College of Veterinary Surgeons
Professor of Orthopedics
Colorado State University
Tim Hackett DVM
Diplomat, American College of Veterinary
Emergency & Critical Care
Professor of Emergency & Critical Care
Cornell University
Howard Seim III DVM
Diplomat, American College of Veterinary Surgeons
Professor of Surgery
Colorado State University
You know how it is…everything is quiet and under control in the clinic when all of sudden you’ve got a frantic client running through the front door with a severely traumatized pet. Now is not the time to read…now is the time to act purposefully and efficiently. First, you’ve got a life to save! Don’t get too focused on the degloving injury or protruding bones just yet. You might want to hold off on the primary repairs until the patient is stable enough to handle such surgical trauma. Once you’ve managed the shock and hemorrhage we’ll take you through the second tier of patient assessment and possibly the need for emergency soft tissue surgery. For some orthopedic trauma cases you may opt to refer to a specialist for definitive treatment, but there is still an expectation and obligation for you to provide the very best first aid care for the patient. Managing pain, covering large wounds, reducing contamination, immobilizing fractures and keeping on top of expected complications will all help improve the outcome of any primary repair. For these patients, treatment of the localized effects of trauma often has both immediate and long-term benefits for the patient. Timely and effective management of shear wounds, joint dislocations and fractures can relieve patient discomfort, prevent ongoing damage, and initiate the healing process.
Speakers & Topics
Come learn from our Trauma Team comprised of an emergency critical care specialist, a soft tissue surgeon and an orthopedic surgeon. They will guide you from life-saving care to wound care to abdominal surgery and to basic care for fractures & luxations. This team uses real life clinical cases, video examples, practical tips and audience response devices to keep the discussion lively, interactive, relevant and fun.
Come and learn the following:
1. Triage and Emergency Care
• The emergency assessment and what it means to stabilize
• Trauma’s triad of death (acidosis, hypothermia, coagulopathy)
2. Systemic Complications of Trauma
• Cardiac and pulmonary injuries
• Intracranial and spinal trauma
• Non-surgical management of intraabdominal hemorrhage
• The other intraabdominal complications: Urinary and biliary trauma
3. Anesthesia for the Critical Patient
• Principles, rational choices and monitoring
4. Managing patients with severe chest trauma
Chest drain placement
Diaphragmatic hernia repair
Managing a patient with a flail chest segment
5 Managing patients with blunt and penetrating abdominal trauma
Surgically managing uroabdomen
Big dog little dog syndrome – managing severe bite wounds
Ruptured urethra – what do I do?
6. Practical management of open wounds (with a few secrets)
• Open wound first aid
• Wound healing simplified: Clean up, grow up and toughen up
• New wound care & bandage materials and how they work
• How a wound tells you what it needs
• Tie-over bandages – you name the wound and I can bandage it!
• Can you stretch skin to make a wound heal?
7. Traumatic Hip Dislocation
• 3 ways to detect hip dislocation on physical examination
• How to tell dorsal from ventral dislocation
• 5 essential radiographic assessments
• Is closed hip reduction indicated?
• Step-by-step technique for closed hip reduction
• Why traditional Ehmer Slings don’t work
• New & Improved Ehmer Sling technique
• Commercial “off the shelf” Ehmer Slings: cash hog or valuable tool?
• Rats! …the hip re-luxated. Now what?
8. First Aid for Long Bone Fractures (Temporary Bandages & Splints)
• Robert Jones Bandage
• Pre-fabricated splints
• How to custom mold a splint
• How, when and why to make a Spica Splint
• Velpeau Sling for medial shoulder dislocation
9. Casting Tips for Definitive Treatment of Selected Fractures
• Case selection (& cases to avoid)
• Common errors that you can avoid
• Practical Tips for application
• Practical tips for monitoring, maintaining and changing the cast
10. Postoperative Critical Care
a. What to expect in the hours and days following trauma
b. Principles of post-operative care
Schedule
| Registration | Friday April 25, 2025 | 7:15 am – 8:00 am |
| Breakfast | Daily | 7:15am – 8:00am |
| Lectures | Friday April 25 | 8:00 am – 1:30 pm |
| Saturday April 26 | 8:00 am – 1:30 pm | |
| Sunday April 27 | 8:00 am – 1:00 pm |
Accommodations
Please note: we are moving over to the new West Beach Conference Center in 2025.
Price- Group rooms are sold out. Please contact our office at [email protected] or 800-487-5650 for current availability.
One Bedroom Scenic view Villas: Group Rates–$.00 dbl/night plus taxes and resort service fee
**One Bedroom Villas come with only 1 King bed and some also come with a pull-out sofa. If you’d like 2 King beds, we can look into upgrading you into a 2 Bedroom Villa, just give us a call**
Additional fees (subject to change without notice):
- Rates are presently subject to a 7.0% South Carolina state tax and a total of 6% local taxes, and subject to change without notice.
- A Resort Service Fee of 9% per villa per day will apply to all guest rooms utilized. The Resort Service Fee includes on demand, on-island transportation (7 am to 11 pm) to all resort owned venues.The Resort Fee also includes daily housekeeping, high speed wireless internet access, 800 and local phone calls, in-room coffee and access to the two villa resort pools, Night Heron and West Beach.
Extra days and 2- and 3-bedroom villas available based on resort availability.
The maximum occupancy at Kiawah Island Golf Resort is two (2) adults per bedroom. Children under the age of 18, when accompanied by an adult and staying in the same room, are free of charge.
Our group villas are One bedroom East Beach, Scenic View villas. The view is “scenic” which can include views of the lagoon, woods, or golf course. Please note that this is not a classic resort. Our villas are spread out around the property. The Sanctuary Resort is also on the property but is not part of our room block.
Terms
Your credit card will be needed to guarantee your room. There is no penalty if you cancel at least 14 days prior to your scheduled arrival. If you cancel within 14 days of your scheduled arrival you will be charged for your complete stay.
Room Description
Our group villas are One bedroom East Beach, Scenic View villas. The view is “scenic” which can include views of the lagoon, woods, or golf course. Please note that this is not a classic resort. Our villas are spread out around the property. The Sanctuary Resort is also on the property but is not part of our room block.
This center is still within the Kiawah Island Golf Resort.
Kiawah Island is…ten miles of wide, immaculate, ocean beach on which one – or two – might walk or cycle for hours and hours without interruption. Soothing by day, utterly romantic by night, the beach is complemented by the island’s river, meandering lagoons, and pristine marshlands, and closes each sun washed day safe beneath its own star studded southern sky.
Kiawah Island Golf Resort, the only official owner and operator of resort amenities on Kiawah, has been serving guests on the island for over 25 years.
Resort Amenities
- Over 1,000 employees eager to serve you
- Complimentary on-island transportation, exclusively for Resort guests
- Exclusive use of the ocean front Inn pools and the Tennis Club pool complex
- Complimentary use of all pool complexes
Save hundreds of dollars during your stay through preferred pricing on golf, tennis, Kamp Kiawah and recreational activities
Preferred tee times and court times, and access to all amenities on the island.
Things To Do
Kiawah Island is renowned for its natural beauty and abundant wildlife. Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and vast salt marshes, Kiawah has a mixture of lush maritime forests, brackish water ponds, and picturesque dunes. During your stay on Kiawah, tour the island with our Naturalist staff as they open your eyes to the nature of Kiawah. Learn more about Kiawah Island’s Nature Program.
Kiawah Island remains a haven for those who stay. However, the reasons for visiting have become more varied. From ten miles of romantic, unspoiled beach to 30 miles of paved, biking trails. From kayaking and canoeing adventures to alligator and birding walks. From oceanfront fine dining to riverside oyster roasts.
Then there’s the golf – spectacular golf. Five championship courses, including the world-famous Ocean Course, host of the 1991 Ryder Cup Matches and the 1997 & 2003 World Cup of Golf.
This is Kiawah Island, where nearby Charleston’s influences abound. The choices are plentiful and the people are polite to a fault. Kiawah’s friendly character is derived from the gracious Charleston lifestyle, in which Southern Hospitality is never the exception and every meal is a celebration of tastes. The island’s proximity to such a charming and desired destination is not only convenient. It’s also unique. The transportation is seamless; the resort experience unlike any other.
Restaurants
On and about the island, your private table overlooks splendid surf, lagoons, gardens or fairways, while you dine on exquisitely prepared and presented native foods complemented by the perfect wine or beverage, and accompanied by the soft sound of the tropics. Select a dining option below, or feel free to contact our concierge for personalized assistance.
Some close-by restaurants: Lokals, Red Sky Grill, Hege’s Brasserie Francais Classique.
Outdoor Activities
Kiawah Island Golf Resort is home to a fascinating array of wild creatures with a diverse ecosystem. The recreation programs are, quite simply, unsurpassed. For those who wish to immerse themselves in water, enjoy the pools, kayaking and, of course the Atlantic Ocean. For those that want to explore by land, bicycles and miles of trails are available. There is something for everyone in your family to enjoy at Kiawah.
Golfing
Kiawah Island Golf Resort offers challenging golf courses and hotel vacation packages that are unmatched set in a beautiful natural setting near historic Charleston, South Carolina. Equally appealing, our villa and golf vacations provide legendary golf traditions flavored with the spirit of world-class competition.
Our golf resort packages provide unmatched play on any one of five championship golf courses designed by Pete Dye, Jack Nicklaus, Tom Fazio, Gary Player and Clyde Johnston.
Tennis
Kiawah, #2 Tennis Resort in the World by Tennisresortsonline.com! With two complete tennis complexes located on our 10-mile Island, you’ll always be close to a championship court. Choose from the Roy Barth Tennis Center—featuring nine Har-Tru clay courts and three hard courts—or the West Beach Tennis Club, with 10 Har-Tru courts and two lighted hard courts. No matter where you play or practice, the result is the same: You’ll experience the ultimate go-for-the-gold standard in service, instruction, and above all, enjoyment.
Pools
KIGR guests have exclusive and complimentary access to three new resort-owned and operated pools including two new expanded pool areas in Night Heron Park and West Beach Village. The Tennis Club Pool has been designated as an adult only pool allowing for a private getaway guests over 21 years old. Seasonal towel service is available at the Tennis Club pool. The newly improved Night Heron pool complex, the resorts most popular pool, is the ideal spot for families. Conveniently located in the middle of our 21 – acre park and recreational facility, it is only steps for the beach, Night Heron Pool offers full service poolside dining (seasonally) and is heated in the spring and fall and chilled in the summer to make it even more enjoyable. Our newest pool complex, the West Beach Pool located adjacent to the Tennis Center offers a number of interactive water features including a large slide. Convenient to the shops and dining in The Straw Market and beach access this pool area is a great place for family fun.
Charleston
Sit high atop a horse-drawn carriage as candy-colored homes glide by, admire elaborate gardens, and dine Lowcountry style; this is Charleston, a remarkable journey through time, mere minutes from our island. Known for rich history, well-preserved architecture, a celebrated restaurant community and mannerly people, the Charleston area has been named Top U.S. City by Condé Nast Traveler 2013 Readers’ Choice Awards. This is the third consecutive year the historic coastal destination has received the No. 1 U.S. City ranking. Learn more
As a guest of Kiawah Island Golf Resort, you have at your fingertips a concierge who exists solely to make your stay at our Resort as rich and varied an experience as you care to enjoy. From a carriage, boat, bicycle or walking tour of nearby Charleston – rated third top choice for domestic travel by readers of Condé Nast Traveler – to an extraordinary off-island meal at places only the locals can name. From a list of just the right places to shop for handmade crafts, American and English antiques, fine art or jewelry, to a tour of a legendary plantation.
Don’t feel like driving? Let those of us who experience the city daily be your guide to the highlights of a trip downtown. We offer comprehensive excursions that will take you to such intriguing places as Fort Sumter, the Calhoun Mansion, and Drayton Hall Plantation. Or see the Holy City the way the colonists did – from a horse-drawn carriage.
Of course, you’ll want to be sure to say hello to over 10,000 animals at the new South Carolina Aquarium, opened in 2000. Kiawah Island Golf Resort was proud to donate one million dollars to the aquarium in the continuing effort to keep people aware of the many ways that nature plays a role in our lives. In fact, the loggerhead turtles that you’ll see at the aquarium were hatched from nests right here on Kiawah Island!
All of this and more awaits you in our Lowcountry paradise. And all is at your beck and call as our privileged guest. Learn more
Need To Know
Registration
Online registration is easy and fast. But please confirm your hotel reservations prior to completing your registration or booking flights. Many Hotels are selling out many months ahead of our seminars. If you need to book a hotel room, click the link to the online hotel registration page. If none is available for your selected seminar, please fill out our hotel request form or contact our office at 800-487-5650. Please note that hotel rooms are not confirmed until you receive confirmation from the hotel (if you booked online thru our group link) or from our office for hotels that do not offer the online link.
IVS is now required by AAVSB RACE to upload your completed attendance into their “RACEtrack” system. Your state of license and your license number are required for all seminars starting in January 2022. More information is available at https://www.aavsb.org/ce-
Early Bird: $1135.00
Advanced: $1155.00
Regular: $1175.00
Special Pricing:
Veterinary Technicians receive an $80 discount using promo code “techsaver”. Enter the code during checkout in the submit promotion code box.
For International Travel
Passport requirements for international travel
Please note that all passengers traveling by air to or from the United States will be required to hold a valid passport. This requirement applies to all passengers, including U.S. citizens, traveling to and from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean.
When planning international travel, please be sure that you are in possession of all required documents for both outbound and return flights. Remember to allow ample time for acquiring official travel documents.
For complete information on the U.S. Department of State’s New Travel Initiative Requirements, please visit travel.state.gov.
Pricing
Your credit card will be needed to guarantee your room. There is no penalty if you cancel at least 14 days prior to your scheduled arrival. If you cancel within 14 days of your scheduled arrival you will be charged for your complete stay.
Global Vet Community Meets CE Experiences
IVS trips are designed to meet your CE requirements while offering a break from traditional, conference-style learning. With focused half-day sessions, small-group learning, and destinations worth the journey, IVS creates close-knit communities where education feels both engaging and rewarding.
Earn Your CE Credits
IVS makes it easy — and worth the trip — to keep your CE hours current. Each trip includes 12–18 CE credit hours, along with access to a dedicated portal where certificates and trip details are easy to find when you need them.
Explore the World
Choose from 50+ destinations worldwide, including classic travel locations and Bio Bio adventure trips. No matter the setting, IVS seminars are structured to support focused learning in an environment that feels immersive — not overwhelming.
Connect With Your Community
IVS brings together veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and leading specialists in intentionally small groups. Designed for shared experience and meaningful discussion, these seminars foster professional connections that last well beyond your trip.
Get More from Every Trip
With points earned for every trip you attend, bonuses for referring friends, and a convenient user portal for tracking and seminar details, IVS makes earning your CE credits even more rewarding.
Postcards from Our Trips
From close to home to destinations abroad, hear what veterinary professionals are saying about their IVS experience.
The speakers were excellent, as were the accommodations. I love coming to IVS Seminars.”
I enjoyed this conference VERY much! The speakers were engaging and superb. I had a surgery day this past Tuesday and have implemented several of their pearls of knowledge!”
The trip was just perfect! My husband and I loved every minute.”
Thank you for a great conference! This was my first IVS experience, and it was great. … I’m hoping to arrange a trip for my vet school friends (11 of us total) in the future.”
I enjoyed the seminar. IVS [is] still the best CE in my opinion. Great venue also.”
Thank you for putting on a fantastic program in Cabo!”
Thank you. I always enjoy the CE experience IVS provides.”
Good to Know Before You Go
Registration is simple. Browse upcoming seminars using the search on our homepage, then click through to the seminar page and complete registration online. You will receive an email confirmation once your registration is complete, and a separate email confirming your payment. Please keep both for your records. You can also call our office at 1-800-487-5650 to register by phone.
IVS holds group space at each seminar venue and handles hotel bookings on your behalf. You can book accommodations at the same time as your seminar registration or separately — whichever you prefer.
On your selected seminar’s page, click the Accommodations tab and scroll down to the Book Accommodations button. Please note: if you need a room outside the standard seminar dates, availability will need to be confirmed with the hotel. Hotel bookings made through our site are not automatic and require some processing time. Once confirmed, you will receive a hotel confirmation letter from IVS by email. All hotels require a credit card to guarantee your booking, and cut-off dates apply — early registration is always advised. Our team is available at 1-800-487-5650, Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm PST.
10% of the registration fee is non-refundable. If you cancel more than 30 days before the seminar start date, you may choose a refund of the remaining 90% or a Future Transfer Credit (FTC). If you cancel within 30 days, only a Future Transfer Credit is issued. The FTC can be applied to any future IVS seminar within 2 years of your cancellation date; it is forfeited if not used within that window. To cancel, you must contact our office and receive email confirmation of your cancellation before the seminar begins. Cancellations requested after the seminar has started, or without email confirmation on file, will forfeit the full registration fee. Please also note that cancellations will remove any Loyalty Program points earned from that registration.
IVS specializes in small group seminars — usually fewer than 80 people per seminar. Most veterinarians appreciate the smaller setting, as it allows for more interaction with speakers and other participants and gives everyone a chance to get their questions answered.
International Veterinary Seminars is an AAVSB RACE-approved provider of CE, which is accepted by all state boards throughout the US and Canada. We are provider #13 and are also an approved provider in New York State. Please contact your state board or our office with any questions. For more information, visit the AAVSB RACE program website.
Where will your learning take you?
Discover a different way to earn your veterinary CE. Explore upcoming trips to find an IVS seminar set in a destination you’ll want to stay awhile.