RESPIRATORY ARREST

1. Inform the veterinary surgeon.
2. Call for assistance if required.
3. Cease anaesthetic administration.
4. Check for a heart beat.
5. Establish AIRWAY - intubation is the preferred method, extend the neck, pull the tongue forward, remove constrictive collars or dressings, check for obstructions.
6. Establish BREATHING - ventilate the lungs with 100% oxygen via a suitable circuit, administer 3-4 breaths rapidly followed by 6-12 breaths per minute thereafter. The lungs should be sufficiently inflated to produce visibly supra-normal chest wall excursions but must be allowed to deflate to a normal end-expiratory position.
7. Administer drugs and fluids according to the instructions of the veterinary surgeon. If apnoea is caused by an overdose of intravenous or intramuscular anaesthetic drug, fluids will hasten elimination by promoting diuresis. Antagonists to narcotic analgesics may be given if necessary. Immobilon, Hypnorm and Medetomidine may also be antagonised.