Triage

What does triage mean in French?

to sort

What is important about triaging over the telephone?

Always document in the medical records the conversation when a client calls to discuss an emergency

What information is needed during a telephone triage?

Client’s name and phone number

Patient’s name, age, sex, breed, approx weight - signalment

Current chief complaint and duration - history

What are the steps to a telephone triage?

1. Getting a signalment, client info, and history

2. Taking more specific history by asking questions

3. Giving treatment recommendations - always tell them to bring their pet to the hospital

4. ALWAYS DOCUMENT TX RECOMMENDATIONS IN MEDICAL RECORD

For hospital triage, how fast should an experienced LVT respond to an emergency?

1 min

What are the different systems of level of urgency we can use?

Three level system

Four level system

Five level system

What can we do as an LVT when it comes to the wait times of emergency?

Keep the client updated on wait times and can help them calm down and understand their pet will be seen based on level of severity

What is the urgency level system we typically use?

Four-level system

What are the levels of a four-level urgency system in triage?

1. Resuscitative

2. Emergent

3. Urgent

4. Routine

What is an example of resuscitative emergency?

Active seizures

Respiratory issues

Cardiac arrest

Anaphylaxis

How long should a resuscitative case take to get assessed?

Should be immediately

What are examples of an emergent case in triage?

Recent toxic exposure

Shock

Severe pain, HBC

Dyspnea

How long should it take for an emergent case to be assessed in the back?

5-15 mins

What are some examples of urgent case in triage?

Proptosis - eye pops out of socket

Vomit, diarrhea

How long does it take to see an urgent case in triage?

15-45 mins

What are examples of routine cases in triage?

Lameness

Minor lacerations

Suture removals

How long does it take to see a routine case in triage?

Lameness

What is CAB?

Circulation

Airway

Breathing

When it comes to circulation, what should you be doing?

Start compressions immediately and do not stop!

Circulation checks: HR, MM color, CRT, temp, pulse quality, BP, level of consciousness

When it comes to airway, what should you do?

Should be assessed immediately

If clear and not obstructed, intubate right below

Supply oxygen with flow by oxygen or mask if tolerated

What else can you do with breathing problems after intubating?

Prep for thoracocentesis if pneumothorax is suspected

Breathing pattern should be observed before and during the auscultation of thoracic cavity

What sound will you hear when you have a pneumothorax?

Dull respiratory sounds

What is a pneumothorax?

Collection of air outside the lung but within the pleural cavity

What is a pleural effusion?

Accumulation of fluid in between the parietal and visceral pleura

What is included in a primary assessment?

Visual observation

Vital signs

Weight

Owner history

What does a primary assessment do?

Determines if patient is having a true emergency or not

During your primary assessment and after bringing pts to the back, what should you do with the client?

Give a ballpark estimate before starting treatment

What is the secondary assessment?

More detailed assessment performed by DVM or LVT

aka

Complete PE - from head to tail