T3: Walk-ins, Emergencies and Triage

Question 1

How would you handle a walk in cliet?

Answer 1

• Explain that they can be seen by a vet, but advise them that normally they must have an appointment booking, also be sure to advise them that there may be a wait until the vet is available
• Explain that the client cannot be seen without a prior appointment, make them an alternative arrangement at a better suited time.
• If the vets are all tied up, you may offer to admit the animal for an examination later in the day (although this may incurr additional fees depending on the clinic - so the client must be warned).

Question 2

What should you do if a client phones up and it may be an emergency?

Answer 2

• work out if it is actually an emergency
• calm the person down
• ask questions
• try to obtain name, address, phone number, exact location
• try to obtain animal age, sex, breed and whether or not they are a regular client
• Give the caller first aid advice, transport advice and clear directions to the clinic

Question 3

What is triage?

Answer 3

• ability to prioritising conditions according to those that need to be attended to immediately and those that are less urgent is called TRIAGE
• It is very important you are able to identify life threatening conditions.

Question 4

List some life threatening conditions

Answer 4

• airway obstruction
• apnoea
• severe dyspnea
• cyanosis
• arterial haemorrhaging
• head trauma
• persistent seizures
• unconsciousness
• poisoning/snake bite
• anaphylaxis

Question 5

List some conditions that are not immediately life threatening but still require immediate attention

Answer 5

• severe colic
• paralysis
• dysuria or anuria
• dystocia
• eye injuries
• gaping wounds
• fractures/dislocations

Question 6

List some conditions that need same-day attention>

Answer 6

• insect stings
• minor wounds
• abscesses
• hematuria
• hematoma
• persistent vomiting
• persistent diarrhoea

Question 7

What should you do if a client who has an animal that must be seen indicates they will not bring the animal to the clinic?

Answer 7

• STRESS to clients, that if they avoid your advice, this may be to the detriment of their animal,
• and unfortunately, the longer they leave it, the less likely veterinary intervention is to be successful.
• Also include, that the longer they leave it, the more it may cos them for more involved procedures.

Question 8

Explain the triage process

Answer 8

• classify patients in order of urgency for emergency care
• Use ABC (DE)
• ask if client would like to opt for resuscitation