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Top Tips for supporting the medical emergency by Laura George DipHECVN, DipAVN (small animal), NCert A&CC, CertVN ECC, VTS (SAIM), RVN

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4 min read

Often, it is the role of the veterinary tech (VT) to perform the initial triage and support when emergency patients arrive, passing the information gained to the veterinary surgeon and implementing the interventions they prescribe as a result. In this article you will find some top tips on how you can best support medical emergencies.

The Improve Team

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Medical emergencies in veterinary patients can arise from various conditions, including acute kidney injury, diabetic ketoacidosis, Addisonian crisis, anemia, and severe gastrointestinal upset. As a veterinary technician (VT), your role in initial triage and support is crucial. Below are some top tips to help you effectively manage these situations and optimize your workflow.
Top Tip #1: Preparation is Crucial
Anticipate the emergency by preparing essential equipment, including:
  • Monitoring equipment (e.g. stethoscope, thermometer, pulse oximeter, ECG and blood pressure)
  • Oxygen source and delivery equipment
  • Equipment for intravenous access +/- fluid therapy
  • Crash trolley/box
  • Point-of- care testing apparatus:
    • Glucometer
    • Lactate meter
    • Packed cell volume/total solids equipment
    • Blood gas machine
    • Ultrasound
  • Triage form or kennel sheet to record initial assessment findings
Top Tip #2: Communicate Effectively with the Owner When the pet and owner arrive, the owner may be anxious. Clear communication is key. For instance, say: “Hello Mrs. Smith, my name is Laura, and I am a veterinary technician. I will take Fred into our treatment area to perform a triage exam and see if we need to take immediate action. After this, a vet will speak with you.” Discuss consent for emergency intervention if required by your clinic's protocol. Top Tip #3: Use a Systematic Approach to Triaging Begin the triage exam with a major body systems assessment of the respiratory, cardiovascular, neurological, and urinary systems. These are critical as dysfunctions can be life-threatening. Once the primary triage and stabilization are complete, conduct a secondary survey for a more comprehensive assessment. This may include collecting blood samples for point-of-care testing, ensuring you have obtained consent. Top Tip #4: Address Pain Management Include pain assessment in the general triage. Use a recognized pain scoring system for objective measurement and monitoring of changes. If the patient is in pain, discuss analgesia options with the veterinary surgeon. Consider how analgesics might affect vital parameters and any future examinations, like a full neurological assessment. The vet may want to complete specific exams before administering pain relief, but always prioritize patient welfare. Top Tip #5: Stay Calm Maintaining calmness is vital during the triage and assessment of medical emergencies. Calmness, coupled with clear and concise communication, ensures a smoother assessment and stabilization process. By following these tips, veterinary technicians can provide effective initial care and support in medical emergencies, ensuring the best possible outcomes for patients and their owners.    

If you're interested in learning more about how you can advance your career in Emergency and Critical Care, why not check out our ECC program today! 

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