V.I.T.A.L.S

Vigilant Intraoperative Techniques & Anesthetic Life Support

Hands-on and virtual anesthesia training for preclinical teams. Led by a Surgical Research Specialist with 20+ years of multispecies anesthesia experience.

What Is VITALS Academy?

VITALS Academy is a structured training program built for research teams working with small and large animal anesthesia.

Each module blends applied physiology, real-world troubleshooting, and hands-on skill development to help technicians deliver safer, more stable anesthetic care.

Whether you’re preparing for a new study, onboarding new staff, or improving consistency across your team, VITALS provides the practical training needed to elevate your program.

Learn More

Core Training Modules

  • Species: Swine, sheep, NHP (as applicable) Topics:

    • Anesthetic planning and setup

    • Monitoring strategies

    • Ventilation and perfusion stability

    • Troubleshooting intraoperative instability Outcomes: Improved stability, fewer complications, increased technician confidence.

  • Species: Canine, feline, rabbit, rodent (as applicable) Topics:

    • Protocol development

    • Monitoring and interpretation

    • Airway management

    • Emergency response Outcomes: More consistent anesthetic planes and better recovery quality.

  • Topics:

    • Ventilator setup and modes

    • ETCO₂ interpretation

    • Airway anatomy differences

    • Troubleshooting hypoventilation

    • Airway rescue techniques Outcomes: Better ventilation control, fewer airway complications, improved oxygenation.

  • Topics:

    • MAP targets by species

    • IBP vs NIBP

    • Waveform interpretation

    • Pressor selection

    • Hypotension troubleshooting Outcomes: More stable perfusion, fewer hypotension events, improved data quality.ption

  • Topics:

    • Crystalloids vs colloids

    • PPV/SVV interpretation

    • Fluid responsiveness

    • Transitioning to pressors Outcomes: Better volume management and reduced fluid‑related complications.

  • Topics:

    • Hypothermia prevention

    • Hyperthermia recognition

    • Warming/cooling strategies

    • Metabolic consequences Outcomes: More stable physiology and fewer temperature‑related anesthetic issues.

  • Topics:

    • Rapid assessment

    • Airway emergencies

    • Perfusion collapse

    • Ventilation failure

    • Crisis decision‑making Outcomes: Faster, more confident responses during intraoperative instability.

  • Topics:

    • Positioning

    • Monitoring during surgical manipulation

    • Managing physiologic shifts

    • Communication with surgeons Outcomes: Smoother procedures and improved interdisciplinary coordination.

  • Topics:

    • Pre‑study planning

    • Protocol optimization

    • Species‑specific considerations

    • Anticipating complications Outcomes: More consistent data, fewer deviations, and improved study efficiency.

  • Training can be tailored to:

    • Species

    • Study model

    • Facility equipment

    • Technician experience level

    • Specific procedures

    • Pre‑study preparation needs

    Custom modules can be created upon request.

Discuss Training Modules

Training Formats

  • Interactive modules focused on physiology, monitoring, troubleshooting, and case-based learning.

    • 60–90 minute focused sessions

    • Waveform interpretation workshops

    • Protocol review and optimization

    • Pre-study planning consults

    Ideal for: Teams wanting targeted education without scheduling a full onsite training day.

  • Hands-on, species-specific anesthesia training tailored to your procedures and study models.

    • Large Animal Anesthesia

    • Small Animal Anesthesia

    • Ventilation & Airway Management

    • Perfusion & Blood Pressure Management

    • Fluid Therapy & Volume Assessment

    • Temperature & Metabolic Stability

    • Surgical Support Techniques

    • Emergency Response & Troubleshooting

    • Study-Specific Protocol Development

    Ideal for: Teams needing practical, real-time instruction, protocol refinement, and hands-on skill building.

  • Virtual pre-training + onsite hands-on day.

    Ideal for: Teams preparing for a new model or study who want foundational knowledge before hands-on practice.

Discuss Training Options

Ready to Train Your Team?

Whether you need a single module or a full training program, VITALS Academy provides practical, high-impact anesthesia training tailored to your research needs.

Request a Custom Training Quote

Free Content from VITALS Academy

A focused monthly read covering procedural insights, technique tips, and observations from the field. Written for busy research professionals who want relevant, practical content without the noise.

Monthly Newsletter

Read the Latest Issues 
Long-form, evidence-supported articles on specific procedures, anesthetic protocols, species considerations, and intraoperative management. Written for people who actually perform this work and want to go deeper.

Deep-Dive Articles

Browse Articles

V.I.T.A.L.S

Vigilant Intraoperative Techniques & Anesthetic Life Support

Stay Sharp. Stay Supported. Stay Vital.