The Fundamentals of CPR for nurses

Less than six percent of dogs and cats receiving CPR survive; being prepared for these events can increase the chances of survival in dogs and cats. However, traumatic and emergency cases cannot be predicted, therefore this requires the clinic and staff to be prepared for any emergency that may come through the doors. Emergency situations can vary greatly in their cause, symptoms, treatment and outcome. However, the fundamentals of performing CPR are the same, with the aim to provide the patient with the best chance of survival, whilst ensuring the staff are comfortable, confident and competent in providing this vital care. This CPD will focus on CPR of dogs and cats, discussing the triage process, how to tell when CPR is required, the ABC sequence and the different forms of CPR available to us both manual and mechanical. The aim here is to prepare veterinary nurses for any emergency, ensuring equipment and medication is prepared, with all staff confident and aware of their role.