Table 1 . Equipment needed for basic and advanced life support .
Basic life support
• Laryngoscope
• Endotracheal ( ET ) tubes of varying sizes ( urinary catheters can also be used to provide an airway in a patient with a swollen or obstructed trachea )
• Syringe to inflate cuff on ET tubes
• Method of securing ET tubes
• Ambu-bag to provide intermittent positive-pressure ventilation ( IPPV )
Advanced life support
• Adrenaline
• Atropine
• Syringes and needles for drug administration
• Intravenous catheter equipment
• Flush for post-drug administration
• Electrocardiogram ( ECG ) pads
• Reversal agents , such as naloxone
Additional optional equipment
• Dexamethasone
• Antiarrhythmics
• Butterfly catheters – for pneumothorax drainage
• Fluids
• Mannitol
• Diazepam
• Tracheostomy tubes and kit
• Surgical kit for open chest compressions
• Surgical gloves
Protocols and documentation
Alongside training , having established CPR protocols and documentation in place will help to ensure all members of the team are consistent in their approach to CPR . Protocols must be standard to the practice , with all clinical staff in agreement about them . The origins of the protocols may vary but evidence-based protocols are advisable , wherever possible . The RECOVER guidelines [ 2 ] are currently the only evidence-based CPR guidelines for the veterinary industry and are an advisable reference point when developing CPR protocols .
Once the practice ' s CPR protocols have been agreed , training can begin , which will include the use of documentation and record-keeping . During a CPR attempt , a clear and accurate record of the event must be kept , so having a specific CPR record is advisable . Prompts for clinical parameters will aid completion in the order in which they are required , and will be particularly helpful in a high-pressure situation .
The RECOVER guidelines state that chest compressions should be started immediately after triage of the patient , followed by the securing of an airway , while requesting help [ 2 ] .
An example of what the protocol documentation could look like in relation to these actions can be seen in Table 2 .
Table 2 . Example of CPR protocol documentation .
CPR action Staff member Time
Chest compressions started
Airway established and secure
IPPV commenced
32 Veterinary Nursing Journal