RE: First Aid

sananbaz — Sat, 11 Jul 2015 01:09:32 GMT

Depending on your workplace set up, if the patient is presented when there is two or more staff present, calling the vet should be priority for one person, whilst other/s deal with triage. If you are alone, the best chance of success is getting the vet there, so don't start heroic resuscitation before calling for help. Start with securing airway - if unconscious, extend head and neck, pulling tongue forward and checking for obstructions. If competent, place an et tube. If not breathing, perform mouth to tube rescue breaths or IPPV (if competent). Use stethoscope to check heart beat, starting compressions if necessary. Got to remember though that successful resuscitation is unlikely after accident/trauma/event outside of the practice. Most successful situations would be airway obstructions or possibly drowning/electrocution.

Less serious cases need action that relieves pain and suffering, and prevents worsening of the situation. It is very important to understand that relieving pain is not the same as pain relief! Analgesics are prescription only, so only a vet can instruct you to give them. Relieving pain may include immobilising a fracture, restricting the patient moving around (put in cage/kennel or carry); wrapping clingfilm around burns etc. These can also reduce the chance of the situation worsening, in addition to bandaging for blood loss, applying Elizabeth collar to prevent the patient interfering with a wound etc, clingfilming an eviscerated abdomen to keep the intestines safe/moist or applying sterile moist swabs to a dangling eyeball (preventing desiccation).

Placing an I/v (if competent and have assistance /ability to do alone), ready for vets arrival can speed up drug/fluid administration. Also remember that I/v fluids are POM too. If contact is made with the vet, they can instruct over the telephone before getting to the practice.

There are lots of first aid CPD courses available, and if you have an interest and/or questions, I would recommend looking into what is near you.

HTH

RE: First Aid

Julie-Anne Wilson — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 22:04:19 GMT

O2 therapy if needed, try and stop or slow any haemorrhage, prevent further injuries by stabilising fractures or limiting movement and place an IV catheter and maybe start fluids if shocky but only if you're certain there's no cardiac or respiratory problems that fluids would exacerbate- these would always be my first port of call.

I'd also like to know what you mean by pain relief because you wouldn't be allowed to prescribe anything without the Vet's presence.

RE: First Aid

sananbaz — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 19:32:56 GMT

Hi, can I check what you mean by 'pain relief'?