Consciousness should be checked, and if the consciousness is impaired, the following should be quickly assessed:
What is ABC?
The ABC of first aid is derived from the initial letters of English words: Airway (Airway), Breathing (Breathing), and Circulation (Circulation).
- A - Airway: Assessment of airway patency.
- B - Breathing: Assessment of breathing (Look-Listen-Feel).
- C - Circulation: Assessment of circulation.
Oxygen Techniques
Oxygen is the first intervention that should always be done in emergencies. The priority for every emergency case that comes to our hospital is oxygen. In Veterinary Emergency Medicine, there are six basic oxygen administration techniques. These techniques vary based on the rate and intensity of oxygen delivery, the patient's breed, and the emergency classification.
- Mask: This is the simplest and fastest technique to meet oxygen needs.
- Flow-by: This involves opening a standard oxygen source and holding the oxygen hose about 3-5 cm away from the nose and mouth.
- Oxygen Chamber: This is particularly useful for young puppies and kittens with severe respiratory issues, as it helps eliminate intense stress factors.
- Intra Nasal: This method involves fixing an intra-nasal oxygen tube to the skin with simple sutures.
- Transtracheal: Tracheostomy is inevitable in cases of upper airway obstructions.
- Intubation: Endotracheal intubation is the most fundamental technique in Emergency & Intensive Care.
Urinary Catheterization
Urinary catheterization is performed in cases of lower urinary tract obstructions in emergencies. This procedure is done for:
- Accurate urine analysis.
- Emptying the bladder.
- Administering contrast material for retrograde urethrography.
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
This is the process of reviving the heart, lungs, and brain in patients who have no vital signs or signs of life. The likelihood of saving the patient is significantly higher if CPR is performed in a timely and correct manner. The part of these interventions that does not involve any medications or devices is referred to as "basic life support."
Fluid Therapy
We establish the patient's detailed clinical picture by determining the levels of hypovolemia and dehydration. In the fluid therapy that begins with planning, five key assessments are conducted in emergencies. Key control points for emergency patients include heart rate, capillary refill time, mucous membrane color, pulse pressure, and the presence of metatarsal pulse.
