RECOVER BLS AND ALS RESCUER CERTIFICATION 

Alice Murtas, BS, CVT, VTS(ECC), Laura Waller, RVT

RECOVER Initiative Certified Instructors 

PRESENTATION TYPE: Workshop 

LENGTH: 6 hours

RACE APPROVED FOR: 6 HOURS 

OVERVIEW  

What is the best approach for animals experiencing cardiopulmonary arrest? Evidence-based veterinary CPR guidelines published by The RECOVER Initiative in 2012 aimed at determining how to maximize the chances of patient survival and led to the official veterinary CPR certification process approved by the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care. This certification process has an online course component and an in-person course component. Completion of the online course (BLS and ALS at recoverinitiative.org) is a prerequisite for participation. 

OBJECTIVES OF THE PRESENTATION Participants in this course will learn the concepts and techniques key to becoming Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advances Life Support (ALS) Certified Rescuers. These concepts will be reinforced through scenario-based simulations. Successful completion of this course grants participants certification as RECOVER BLS and ALS Rescuer 

SUMMARY INCLUDING 5 KEY “TAKE HOME” POINTS:

1. Evidence-based CPR standards and certification processes exist in both human and veterinary medicine 

2. The RECOVER Initiative has established this official training course 

3. Scenario-based simulations offer a hands on, team approach to CPR 

4. Quickly identifying arrest rhythms and acting appropriately can save valuable time 

5. Adherence to the RECOVER CPR algorithm is a structured process designed for best patient outcomes

STAYING ALIVE, POST-ARREST CARE 
Alice Murtas, BS, CVT, VTS(ECC)          
Veterinary Emergency Group 
Chicago, IL, USA 
 
PRESENTATION TYPE: LECTURE 
LENGTH: 50 MIN 
DESIRED CE CREDIT: 1 HOUR 
 
OVERVIEW  
You have achieved ROSC, now what? Caring for your post-arrest patient can present unique challenges. Despite 35-45 % ROSC rates, the survival to discharge for patients experiencing CPA is somewhere between 2-10%. There is not enough clinical research to support a definitive plan for post-arrest care in all situations but there are some things we can consider for these patients that may increase their survival to discharge. 
  
OBJECTIVES OF THE PRESENTATION In this session we will explore the range of post cardiac arrest (PCA) considerations and how different nursing interventions and intensive care monitoring can be applied to the post arrest patients. This session will help you to develop a plan for your post arrest patients. 
 
SUMMARY INCLUDING 5 KEY “TAKE HOME” POINTS 
1. Post arrest patients present unique challenges.  
2. The degree of considerations for PCA patients is complex and unique to each patient. 
3. Evidence exists to support a post arrest framework. 
4. Considering the potential causes for arrest is an important reflection. 
5. Post Cardiac Arrest (PCA) patients require intense monitoring. 
6. Specialty centers may provide optimal environments for addressing the most complex post arrest needs. 

I IO. DO YOU IO? 
Alice Murtas, BS, CVT, VTS(ECC)          
Veterinary Emergency Group 
Chicago, IL, USA 
 
PRESENTATION TYPE: HANDS-ON LAB 
LENGTH: 120 MIN 
DESIRED CE CREDIT: 2 HOUR 
 
OVERVIEW  
Intraosseous (IO) catheter access is a fast and efficient way to deliver lifesaving medications and IV fluids. Placement of an IO catheter can appear intimidating and indelicate. Overcoming IO aversion can improve outcomes for patients when other venous access is impossible.  
 
OBJECTIVES OF THE PRESENTATION  
In this session we will discuss indications and contraindications for IO catheter placement, placement sites and techniques and IO catheter options. This session will help you to overcome IO aversion and prepare you to place IO catheters. The hands-on component of this lab will include placing IO catheters in laboratory specimens, including cadavers. 
 
SUMMARY INCLUDING 5 KEY “TAKE HOME” POINTS 
1. IO catheterization can offer quick venous access in severely compromised patients. 
2. Technique for IO catheterization includes aseptic preparation. 
3. IO catheter equipment can be as simple as a hypodermic needle or as sophisticated as an IO drill device. 
4. Sites for IO catheter placement in avians are different than for mammals. 
5. Any drug that can be given intravenously can be given by the intraosseous route. 
6. IO catheterization is temporary. 

TRICKY TUBES: Central Lines & PICC Lines
Laura Waller, RVT 
Southwest Veterinary Training LLC, Animal Emergency Clinic
Apple Valley, CA
 
PRESENTATION TYPE: LECTURE + LAB
LENGTH: 50 MIN LECTURE + 1 HOUR LAB
DESIRED CE CREDIT: 2 HOURS
 
OVERVIEW 
Central line and PICC line placement are advanced venous access skills that offer multifaceted support in the care of critical veterinary patients. 
 
OBJECTIVES OF THE PRESENTATION 
This session will review central and peripherally inserted central lines in both canines and felines. We will discuss the anatomy and physiology related to these procedures, their indications and contraindications, suitable patients, as well as techniques for placement and maintenance. Learners will apply these skills on cadavers. 
 
SUMMARY INCLUDING 5 KEY “TAKE HOME” POINTS 
1. Gain insight into the anatomy and physiology of these tube placement techniques
2. Procedural proficiency: Learn how to place central lines and PICC lines using step by step instructions
3. Learn the uses and advantages of advanced venous access in the critical veterinary patient
4. Recognize potential contraindications and risks associated with these techniques
5. Maintenance of these lines is crucial to reducing infection risks and ensuring line patency.
 

TRICKY TUBES: NG & NE Tubes
Laura Waller, RVT 
Southwest Veterinary Training LLC, Animal Emergency Clinic
Apple Valley, CA
  
PRESENTATION TYPE: LECTURE + LAB
LENGTH: 50 MIN LECTURE + 1 HOUR LAB
DESIRED CE CREDIT: 2 HOURS
 
OVERVIEW 
Placing nasogastric (NG) and nasoesophageal (NE) tubes are skills that are relatively simple to perform, offering a means to provide essential nutritional support for our patients.
 
OBJECTIVES OF THE PRESENTATION 
This session will review nasogastric and nasoesophageal tube placement in both canines and felines. We will discuss the anatomy and physiology related to these procedures, their indications and contraindications, suitable patients, as well as techniques for placement and maintenance. Learners will apply these skills on cadavers. 
 
SUMMARY INCLUDING 5 KEY “TAKE HOME” POINTS 
1. Gain insight into the anatomy and physiology of these tube placement techniques
2. Procedural proficiency: learn how to perform NG and NE tube placement using step by step instructions
3. Learn the uses and advantages of these tubes being placed in the critical veterinary patient
4. Recognize potential contraindications and risks associated with these techniques
5. Vigilant monitoring and maintenance are crucial to reducing risks and ensuring line patency.