ORGANIZED CHAOS 

OVERVIEW 

Cardiopulmonary arrest is stressful enough for all involved. Crash cart and staff preparation in advance are variables we can control to try to improve our patient outcomes.  

OBJECTIVES OF THE PRESENTATION 

This session will review how to put together a crash cart, what items, and medications to consider placing in them, along with crash cart checklist examples. We will also discuss team preparation, and how to make sure your team can confidently respond in the event of cardiac arrest. 

SUMMARY INCLUDING 5 KEY “TAKE HOME” POINTS 

1. Control the variables that you CAN control for the best outcome 
2. Crash cart maintenance should be a normal part of day-to-day operations 
3. More is not always better when it comes to stocking a crash cart or box 
4. Implementing a simple but thorough crash cart checklist can save time and place life-saving tools at hand when you need them 
5. Engaging the whole team and prioritizing staff training can maximize utilization and optimize outcomes 

INTUBATION VARIATIONS 

OVERVIEW 

Intubation is a core skill for emergency and anesthetic procedures. Nothing challenges this skill set more than having to do it sideways and in a hurry. Preparation and practice are key elements to confidently gaining airway access during cardiopulmonary arrest in canines and felines.  

OBJECTIVES OF THE PRESENTATION 

In this session we will review canine, feline and small mammal anatomy and differing techniques for endotracheal intubation for both anesthetic procedures and CPR and examine how processes differ under different conditions. We will discuss different equipment and its application for this essential procedure to be executed effectively. Learners will apply these skills on cadavers. 

SUMMARY INCLUDING 5 KEY “TAKE HOME” POINTS  

1. Being able to intubate in lateral recumbency is key to not interrupting chest compressions during CPR 
2. Various types of endotracheal tubes and devices exist for use in mammals 
3. Endotracheal intubation is a skill that is applied differently under different circumstances 
4. Developing a consistent pattern of behavior for verifying placement is vital for success 
5. Use of a laryngoscope is a key for successful airway examination and endotracheal intubation, especially in patients experiencing CPA 

 I IO. DO YOU IO?

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. 

RECOVER BLS AND ALS RESCUER CERTIFICATION 

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 

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.