HOSA Emergency Care and First Aid

When was Emergency & Critical Care recognized by the AVMA?

Late 1980s

Define: Emergency Care

An action directed toward assessment, treatment, and stabilization of a patient with an urgent medical problem

Define: Critical Care

Ongoing treatment of a patient with a life

Key requirements for Emergency & Critical Care facilities

Adequate space, close O2 source, good lighting, and a centralized area stocked with equipment

Define: Crash Cart

A rollaway cart stocked with various emergency supplies

What is stored in Drawer 1 of a Crash Cart?

Airway equipment (Forceps, endotracheal tubes, laryngoscopes)

What is stored in Drawer 2 of a Crash Cart?

Venous access equipment (Catheters, suture material, saline flush)

What is stored in Drawer 3 of a Crash Cart?

Emergency drugs (Dosage chart, needles, syringes, drugs)

What is stored in Drawer 4 of a Crash Cart?

Respiratory equipment (Tracheotomy tube, chest tubes)

What is stored in Drawer 5 of a Crash Cart?

IV fluids (Fluid bags, infusor bags, pump sets)

Define: Triage

The prioritization of treatment based on medical need; typically performed by the vet tech

What do the ABCDEs of emergency care stand for?

Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Dysfunction/Disability, Examination

Emergency Care: Airway (A) assessment and signs of obstruction

Assessed via visualization, palpation, and auscultation; upper obstructions cause loud/squeaky sounds, lower obstructions cause wheezes or prolonged expiration

Emergency Care: Normal breathing (B) parameters

Patient should be breathing with ease at a rate of 10 to 15 rpm

Emergency Care: Circulation (C) assessment and signs of inadequate perfusion

Assessed via visualization, palpation, and auscultation; signs include abnormal consciousness, increased heart rate, changing pulse rate, pale mucous membranes, and cold appendages

Emergency Care: Dysfunction/Disability (D) assessment

Evaluation of the nervous system via visualization and palpation (pupillary light reflex, response to pain, limb rigidity vs flaccidity)

Emergency Care: Examination (E) procedure

Rapid, whole

What are the clinical signs of Cardiac Arrest (Cardiopulmonary Arrest)?

Absence of heartbeat, lack of palpable pulse, apnea, absence of bleeding, loss of consciousness, and pupillary dilatation

What are the ABCs of Resuscitation in Cardiac Arrest?

Airway (check first), Breathing (via breath or ventilator), Circulation/Cardiac Compressions (lateral recumbency, left side up at point where chest and elbow meet)

What are the clinical signs of Heart Disease in emergency patients?

Pale or cyanotic mucous membranes, dull lung sounds, crackles/wheezes, labored breathing, poor pulse, and ascites

Define: Ascites

Fluid accumulation in the peritoneum (lower/side abdomen)