Welcome to vnonline.co.uk

vnonline.co.uk provides the veterinary nursing profession with the latest news and industry developments, as well as events, resources, learning materials and careers.

Our website is dedicated to veterinary nurses and we strive to provide a platform where you can voice and explore your interests.

Not a member yet? Sign up for free!

Register for free with vnonline.co.uk to gain unlimited access to news, resources, jobs and much more!



Click here to become a member






Log in to vnonline

Forgot your password?

Posted: 12th April 2016

Veterinary nurses 'crucial' in emergency triage
"Failure comes from an inability to act in a crucial moment".
Andrew Linklater outlines key triage points
 
In a veterinary nursing lecture at BSAVA Congress, Canadian-born Andrew Linklater emphasised the importance of 'hospital readiness' in preparing to receive emergency patients.

Optimising hospital readiness can be achieved through thorough preparation and organisation and, in doing so, often eliminating the need for 'fancy diagnostics' on first point of contact. Remaining calm through good preparation is key.

He said: "Our job is to bring calmness to the situation so we can react in a rational way". By employing strategies and tactics including daily inventories, stock checks and designated triage areas or zones, the triage process can be smooth and successful.

Andrew Linklater continued by citing role definitions and assigning jobs according to levels and specifications of skills and training as integral to optimum outcomes when triaging patients.  

Again, emphasising the importance of remaining calm, Linklater explained how communication in practice is also vital in preparing to treat urgent cases. Awareness of impending arrivals across all staff is key in ensuring that roles can be implemented.  Staff should know and be confident in their skillset and be ready to hand over responsibility to reduce anxiety levels in the emergency situation.

When referring specifically to intubation, Andrew Linklater said: "We need to take control so the animal is no longer anxious and suffering. We want to stop that cycle and take over the airway. If you’re getting anxious you can bet the animal is as well."

In a five-point triage plan, Linklater outlined the importance of identifying and prioritising life threatening problems and stated that "failure comes from an inability to act in a crucial moment".  




Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history



Latest news | Careers | Events | Resources | Contact us | Terms and conditions | Data Protection and Privacy |Cookie policy | About us | Copyright
© 2024 Vision Media, all rights reserved. vnonline.co.uk is not responsible for the content of external websites.