https://www.vetnurse.co.uk/f/clinical-discussions/32226/first-aid-and-the-stabilisation-of-the-water-aspiration-patient Hi all! Due to an interest in hydrotherapy I was wondering if anyone had any practice protocols on first aid or initial management of a patient who has aspirated fluids? I have read up on the usual elevation of the posterior and coupage of the chesten-USTelligent Community 10https://www.vetnurse.co.uk/thread/177334?ContentTypeID=1Thu, 26 Aug 2021 07:56:22 GMT1a0763ec-3885-442c-853e-6cef656dfec5:d2b16255-01e9-4947-bab9-08d362aac3fbJack Player<p>You are correct for the elevation to aid drainage from the lungs and Coupage to help loosen secretions.&nbsp;</p> <p>It depends if you are thinking about emergency treatment at the time of it happening or treatment after wards. Emergency treatment would include exiting the water, warming with a towel, raising the cranial end so the head is lower to drain secretions, if swallowed lots of water and breathing is compromised then CPR as needed. Treatment would include oxygen therapy coupage possible sectioning if it is that bad and then antibiotics as vet sees fit to treat any infections.</p> <p>If it is in a hydrotherapy setting then I would also focus on protocols to prevent this such as adequate buoyancy aids to stop the head going under and through assessment of the patient and their swimming abilities. If their head keeps dipping underwater it may be they are tired and the session should be cut short or moved to an under water tread mill rather than a pool. Hopefully with those protocols the aspiration would be limited to non life threatening and the pet referred to a vet for a precaution check up.</p> <p></p> <p>I hope this helps, I will see if anyone I know has any solid protocols as I am doing my physio and hydro diploma at the moment.</p><div style="clear:both;"></div>