First Aid

Question 1

When is first aid used?

Answer 1

First aid is the immediate treatment of an injured animal before its seen by a vet.

Question 2

Who is viable to perform first aid?

Answer 2

Anyone can perform first aid, although it helps if you’re trained or qualified..

Question 3

What are the aims to performing first aid?

Answer 3

• preserve life
• prevent suffering/pain
• promote recovery
• protect from further harm

Question 4

What are the key rules when it comes to first aid?

Answer 4

• Don’t panic!
• Maintain the airway
• Control the haemorrhage
• contact the vet asap.
• Don’t put yourself at risk

Question 5

CAB stands for? (prioritise treatment)…

Answer 5

Circulation, airways, breathing..

Question 6

Classification of first aid treatment consists of:

Answer 6

minor (can be treated at home, no rush)
immediate (must see a vet quickly)
life threatening (must see a vet immediately).

Question 7

List some conditions which will require first aid.

Answer 7

• cuts
• burns
• scrapes
• choking
• open wound
• electric shock
• sprains
• bone injuries
• fractures

Question 8

Briefly explain the appropriate recovery position.

Answer 8

1. lay animal on right side
2. extend the head and neck - pull tongue forward
3. loosen collar
4. watch for signs of breathing
5. check pulse (inside hind leg)

Question 9

State 5 facts about handling and transporting an injured animal.

Answer 9

• perform a brief examination before moving
• restrain patient (muzzle/bandage)
• perform a thorough and methodical physical examination (head to tail).
• take care when moving patient (appropriate and safe lifting, using a stretch if necessary).
• cover their eyes to keep them calm

Question 10

What does CPR stand for?

Answer 10

cardiopulmonary resuscitation

Question 11

State the recovery procedure.

Answer 11

Chest compressions should be done with the dog or cat in lateral recumbency with a compression depth of 1/3-1/2.
2 minute cycles
switch person after each cycle

Question 12

Explain how artificial respiration can be achieved.

Answer 12

Recovery position, Compressions

Question 13

Explain the ‘mouth to nose’ procedure.

Answer 13

• close the mouth and lips
• your mouth over dogs nose
• exhale forcefully (4-5)
• check if breathing
• 20-30 breaths per minute

Question 14

State the cardiac arrest procedure.

Answer 14

Strike the chest firmly (like a defibrillator)…

Question 15

What are some signs of an unconscious animal?

Answer 15

• Reflexes

- Faint breathing/pulse

Question 16

What are the expected signs of an animal that has collapsed?

Answer 16

• loss of standing
• alert
• breathing and pulse = low

Question 17

What are some examples of a minor emergency?

Answer 17

• Sprain
• Cuts
• Grazes

Question 18

What are some examples of an immediate emergency?

Answer 18

• Fur loss

- Sudden weight loss/gain

Question 19

What are some examples of a life threatening emergency?

Answer 19

• choking
• Blood loss
• Open Wounds
• Poison consumption
• Rabies

Question 20

If an animal has been in a RTC (Road traffic collision) what are some injuries that can occur?

Answer 20

• shock
• fractures
• internal trauma
• haemorrhage
• ruptures
• prolapsed eye
• head trauma

Question 21

How would a first aider help an animal involved in a road traffic collision?

Answer 21

PRIORITY = Keeping you and the animal safe!

• Contact a vet
• CAB
• Assess injuries before moving the animal
• Assess blood loss/stem bleeding
• Cover wounds with lint free clean cloth/material

Question 22

What can you expect to see from an animal during a convulsion?

Answer 22

Convulsion = fit

• unconsciousness
• rapid muscular and limb movements

Question 23

What should you do if an animal is experiencing a convulsion?

Answer 23

• darken the room
• move objects in the way, not the animal
• leave the animal alone
• do not stimulate by voice or physical contact
• time the convulsions (approx) from a distance