Emergency treatments

Re: Emergency treatments

Sal the 1st — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 18:26:04 GMT

forgive me for asking but by the time you have established that rectal valium isnt working wouldnt there have been time for the vet to be there?

we were lucky where I worked before we had a list of emergencies and what agreed actions we were able to take - and each of these emergency scenarios were run through pretty regular. Have to say tho it would be extremely rare for there not to be either vet present or one within a few minutes. Have only had two occ in 25+ years that have been true immediate intervention emergencies - the other was a dog that had been stabbed, knife still in situ, sucking chest wound bleeding like stink and have to say it was easier to deal with the dog than it was the angry shouting owner.

when push comes to shove its amazing just how well you can cope even single handed.

Re: Emergency treatments

bongo — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 17:07:39 GMT

I think that if i were in such a situation i would have the vet on speakerphone so they could advise me what to do and i would be then classed as under their supervision or guidance. Otherwise I would be reluctant to do much other than attempt an i/v if not one already in, intubate, chest compressions etc

for animals in the practice where i work that are high risk such as 'seizure watch' we have sheets on the front of their kennel written up by the vet saying what we can give when ie rectal valium 1st, injectable next and propofol if all else fails so i suppose if I were on my own in this situation I would be able to do these things although i would probably crap myself whilst doing them!!

Re: Emergency treatments

Alana Dent — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 23:01:30 GMT

A Vet nurse can do no more than a lay person when it comes to first aid, unless directed by the VS. So providing you can call a VS, explain (in a panic striken mode to get them moving! ) whats happen and ask to give the drugs and do the tracheotomy then thats ok.

If no VS is contactable then basic first aid only can be given.

However i am sure that if that situation rises( and you really cant get hold of a VS), as long as your confident in what you are doing i personally would go ahead and do it. Quick thinking saves, and if i was to put up in front of the RCVS i could justify my actions and would have no regrets should that situation arise.

Re: Emergency treatments

Sal the 1st — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 22:50:29 GMT

I have done a tracheotomy of sorts using a 16g needle, 3.5 portex connector and oxygen, and it was sufficient to keep dog alive till help arrived and we could retrieve the ball causing the obstruction. The practice I was at then we had a number of worst case scenarios we had already discussed so I knew my limits

Re: Emergency treatments

checksue — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 22:38:08 GMT

hiya...as far as tracheotomy is concerned,as far as i am aware it would fall under schedule 3,and RVNs can perform this procedure if needed...as regards to rectal valium admin...again i would say yes...once you have contacted the vet first so therefore you are performing the procedure under the direction of the vet