Triage and CPR protocol

Triage protocol

LVT or tier 4 VA triages and directs support staff to obtain signatures for CPR/DNR stabilization form. Designated person will go over CPR/DNR form and after letting the team know if they will be CPR or DNR in the case of cardiac/respiratory arrest, then the designated VA will go get a history on the critical pet.

What is the stabilization form?

It is an initial form to determine CPR status and also provide an initial quote for stabilization. This gives us consent to spend up to 1000$ in diagnostics and treatments. This form also includes the cost of CPR if that is what they choose.

What is wrong with my pet?

our team is working to assess your pets condition and it appears your pet is critically ill. We are still gathering information to determine exactly what is happening to your pet As soon as the veterinarian has completed his/her initial assessment, they will come speak to you and explain your pets condition and answer any questions you may have. We know this is very difficult and we are doing everything we can to care for your pet.

Is my pet going to be okay?

NEVER promise or guarantee a pets condition to the owner. Instead, say: “I wish I could tell you for certain, but we dont know yet. Right know we are doing everything we can to stabilize your pet and determine his/her condition. As soon as we have more information, the veterinarian will come speak with you about your pets conditions and any questions you may have.

What is happening to my pet right now?

Right now, our team is focused on stabilizing your pet while we assess the severity of their condition. We are performing a thorough physical examination including and closely monitoring their vitals as well as placing an IV catheter so we can provide them fluids, medications or other emergency treatments as needed. As soon as we have finished our initial assessment, the veterinarian will come speak to you about your pets condition.

I dont have any money.. Are you going to deny my pet care because I cant afford it?

I understand and I am so sorry that you are facing this. I know this is very stressful and talking about finances is probably the last thing you want to do right now. Our priority is your pet and making sure we can develop an appropriate plan of care for them. We also want to be transparent about what different treatment options involve and what realistically is going to be possible. We do carry a few repayment plans that I can go over with you after I update my team if that is something you are interested in as well. Our goal is to help you make the best decision for your pet based on their medical condition and your circumstances.

If i spend all of this money is my pet going to live? Why would i spend all of this money for them to die?

Unfortunately, with animals we have to perform diagnostics in order to determine what is going on with them since they cannot tell us, and this can be expensive. Once we have that information we can provided a more accurate prognosis for your pet and determine if further testing or hospitalization is indicated. When your pet is in critical condition its important for us to gather as much information as possible. We can stagger diagnostics in order to help keep costs down, but this can delay important treatments that may increase the possibility or a successful recovery for your pet.

Owner consent

There may be situations (emergency cases) where we need to let an owner know that their pet is in respiratory distress and needs to be administered oxygen therapy as soon as possible. If they agree, we can immediately take the patient to the back and begin treatments. We will also need to go over a CPR/DNR form as well

CPR basic life support

2 full minutes, no pauses. Chest compressions (100-120 per minute), ventilating every 6 seconds

CPR advanced life support

Monitoring EKG, ETCO2. IV access, administer reversals.

Thoracic pump compressions

Compress the widest part of the chest which causes blood to flow from the thorax to the rest of the body by increasing intrathoracic pressure. USE METHOD ON: round chested dogs and medium to large breeds

Cardiac pump compressions

Compress directly over the heart which compressed the ventricles. Use this method on small dogs and cats and keel-chested dogs.

R_____ chested dog

Round; chest is as deep as it is wide. In lateral, the chest will appear dome or spherical shaped.

K_____ chested dog

Keel; Significantly deeper than they are wide, Triangular shape and in lateral will look like a ski slope.

W____ chested dogs

Wide; chest is wider than they are deep.

Two hand approach

medium to large breed dogs. stand behind spine, shoulders above hands and lock elbows, one hand ontop of the other.

One hand approach

small dogs and cats. Wrap dominant hand around the sternum, place other hand on spine. Place thumb directly over the heart, keep thumb extended and compress heart. Do not squeeze thumb or fingers

Circomferential approach

Small dogs and cats. Wrap both hands around the chest with thumbs over heart. Keep thumb extended and compress the heart. Do not squeeze thumb or fingers

One arm approach

Place heel of your dominant hand over the heart wiht the other hand on the spine. Compress by rotating shoulder and flexing elbow