References

Boller M, Fletcher D RECOVER evidence and knowledge gap analysis on veterinary CPR. Part 1: Evidence analysis and consensus process: collaborative path toward small animal CPR guidelines. Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care. 2012; 22:(S1)S4-S12

Brainard B, Boller M, Fletcher D RECOVER evidence and knowledge gap analysis on veterinary CPR. Part 5: Monitoring. J Vet Emerg Crit Care. 2012; 22:(S1)S65-S84

Fletcher D, Boller M, Brainard BM RECOVER evidence and knowledge gap analysis on veterinary CPR. Part 7: Clinical guidelines. J Vet Emerg Crit Care. 2012; 22:(S1)S102-S131

McIntyre R, Hopper K, Epstein S Assessment of cardiopulmonary resuscitation in 121 dogs and 30 cats at a university teaching hospital (2009–2012). J Vet Emerg Crit Care. 2014; 24:(6)693-704

Rozanski E, Rush J, Buckley G, Fletcher D, Boller M RECOVER evidence and knowledge gap analysis on veterinary CPR. Part 4: Advanced life support. J Vet Emerg Crit Care. 2012; 22:(S1)S44-S64

Smarick S, Haskins S, Boller M RECOVER evidence and knowledge gap analysis on veterinary CPR. Part 6: Post-cardiac arrest care. J Vet Emerg Crit Care. 2012; 22:(S1)S85-S101

CPR: advanced life support

02 May 2016

Clinical

8 mins read

02 May 2016

Volume 7 · Issue 4

ISSN (print): 2044-0065

ISSN (online): 2052-2959

Abstract

Cardiopulmonary arrest is an emergency situation which can present to any veterinary clinic at any time. The RECOVER guidelines (2012) are an evidence-based consensus for current cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) recommendations for veterinary patients. Basic life support (BLS) includes circulation, airway and breathing. Advanced life support measures involve the administration of emergency drug therapy and cardiorespiratory monitoring. Alternative drug therapies may be beneficial such as electrolyte supplementation or drug antagonist administration. Both electrocardiogram (ECG) and end tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO₂) monitoring are recommended during CPR efforts and the veterinary nurse will play a vital role in ensuring that trends are observed. Debriefing is an important part of any CPR event so that the team can critique one another and improve performance in the future.

When a patient is identified that is experiencing cardiopulmonary arrest (CPA) veterinary professionals need to act quickly in order to promote a positive outcome. Preparedness, team training, having an organised, stocked crash trolley, administering chest compressions and ventilating the patient are all key parts to basic life support (BLS). There are several other interventions that can also be considered once BLS has started which may help to achieve return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). Recommendations for advanced life support (ALS) measures have been published in the RECOVER guidelines in The Journal of Emergency and Critical Care 22(S1): S102–S131 (Fletcher D et al, 2012).

If the patient was already in the hospital there may already be intravenous (IV) access. If not, IV access should be gained promptly. Emergency drugs reach the heart quicker and in more concentrated volumes if given via a central vein but placing a jugular catheter may be technically challenging in a CPA situation. If administering drugs via a peripheral IV catheter, it is recommended to follow the dose with large volumes of saline flush, e.g. 10–20 mls, to ensure they reach the central circulation.

Register now to continue reading

Thank you for visiting The Veterinary Nurse and reading some of our peer-reviewed content for veterinary professionals. To continue reading this article, please register today.

Register

Or continue by

Signing in with your registered email address