Page 11 - Chiron Autumn/Winter 2023

DATR Veterinary Technician Study Period – November 2023
by SSgt Sarah Knight, Estate Manager, DATR
Iwas recently tasked to organise and run a Veterinary Technician Study Period,
open to all veterinary technicians within the RAVC. The aim of
the study period was to provide veterinary technicians of all levels of qualification and experience, with clinical and trade related CPD.
The two-day event was held at the DATR and was offered both in person and remotely, via a live point of view video feed for all of the presentations. The remote option was facilitated
by the assistance of Sgt Whyte, the resident DATR IT guru!
The presentations were delivered by a mixture of RAVC Senior commanders, RAVC personnel and external speakers, that kindly came to visit us at the DATR. The content and speakers were handpicked
for their relevance to the role of a veterinary technician. Specialist knowledge was shared by all of the presenters, which drew inquisitive interest from attendees. The programme content included;
• Veterinary Technician Cadre Updates
• Equine Lameness
• Canine Anaesthesia &
Emergency Critical Care
• Practical Suturing
• Wound Management
• Bandaging Techniques
• Rider Weights & Their Effects
on Horses
• Canine Strength & Conditioning • Veterinary Regulations and
Training
• RCVS VN Council Updates
• VT Roles at Different Units Other non-veterinary specialists
from the DATR also attended various presentations and workshops to widen their veterinary knowledge. The DATR RSM, WO1 Eade and the Hospital Manager, SSgt Vermeulen, were able to showcase their suturing
skills in the practical workshop! The study period included an
evening function, which gave the veterinary technicians and their Head of Cadre the opportunity to catch up over a curry and some drinks. The evening’s entertainment was held in the Lead and Stead bar and was in the form of a drag act, which was extremely well received!
In addition to support from the RAVC and external speakers, the event was kindly sponsored by Animus Surgical and workshop materials were provided by Millpledge.
Chiron Calling / 9