Provision of emergency care by RVNs?

RE: Provision of emergency care by RVNs?

Kirsty RVN — Mon, 06 Feb 2017 19:53:34 GMT

I didn't understand some of the questions

Where u asking if u are permitted to place IVs and intrabate

I know we are obviously able to get IV access and place ET tubes as registered nurses

Not sure about certain drugs without veterinary direction though

RE: Provision of emergency care by RVNs?

therainyj — Sun, 05 Feb 2017 23:37:59 GMT

Hi Celine,

Check the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966, there's a subsection in there RE vet nurses and what we can and can't do. I believe that as long as what we're doing is to save a life and there is no vet available then we are allowed to do it. I think that doesn't include the administration of IV fluids for example, but you can give life saving emergency treatment.

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1966/36 I think it's under the schedule 3 header. If you want to make an SOP I guess you could print off the relevant section and highlight and laminate it?

Hope this helps :)

RE: Provision of emergency care by RVNs?

Sal the 1st — Sun, 05 Feb 2017 23:33:39 GMT

I have worked places where I have been sole charge nurse where it has been expected that anything non breathing is intubated, ventilated, and i/v access obtained , fluids ready but not administered. Collapsed but breathing, admin oxygen, i/v access secured, draw blood (only if animals condition permits ie if struggling to breathe at all then leave the i/v until help arrives). Bleeding out ( I mean huge blood loss) staunch the flow as much as possible, then yes i/v and start to admin saline. But all of this depends on what the particular practice wants/allows/expects.