What are the three P's?
Preserve Life, Prevent Harm, Promote Recovery.
What does the acronym "DR ABC" stand for?
Danger (is it safe to approach?) Response (can the casualty respond?)
Airway (is it open and clear?) Breathing (if unable to breathe, carry out CPR) Circulation (if severely bleeding, treat immediately)
What do we need to be aware of when performing first aid?
Mentation (mental response)
Temperament
Size of patient
How do you perform topical administration?
Should always wear gloves when applying – otherwise you’re applying to yourself too.
You apply only to the affected area and distract the animal afterwards to prevent it licking off medication straight away.
Use protective collars (cones/donuts) if necessary.
How do you perform oral administration?
Tablets may be hidden in food
Gently grasp the upper jaw with one hand and open bottom jaw with the other hand. Throw tablet towards the back of throat. Close mouth and hold it shut then stroke the animal’s throat to encourage swallowing.
For liquid, insert a syringe into the gap between the teeth, tilt the head a little but not too far and administer slowly giving the animal time to swallow.
What are the types of parenteral administration?
Intravenous – into the vein, has an immediate action as it enters circulation straight away.
Intramuscular – into the muscle (can be painful), dependent on the chosen muscle, takes about 10-20 minutes to take effect.
Subcutaneous – under the skin (typically painless), takes about 20 minutes to take effect.
Frequency of administration depends on the drug and the length of action.
Where are topical medicines applied? What are topical medicines?
Apply to an area of the skin affected (ear drops, ringworm creams, etc).
Where are oral medicines applied? What are oral medicines?
Can be given by mouth (or anus) and is absorbed via the digestive system (tablets, capsules, liquids, etc).
Where are parenteral medicines applied? What are parenteral medicines?
Administered via injection (vaccinations, pain medications, antibiotics).
What are some adverse reactions of medicine administration?
Tachycardia – fast heartrate
Tachypnoea – fast breathing
Bradycardia – slowed heart rate
Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Inflammation
Urticaria
What information is needed if an animal has an adverse reaction to medicine? Who do you notify?
The medication details including batch number and marketing authorization number if known.
Species, breed, age of the animal affected.
When and how the medication was given.
The symptoms you’re seeing.
Notify the veterinary surgery and/or drug company.
What is a SQP?
Suitably Qualified Person.