CP-R you prepared? Preparing the client, patient and practice

It is widely acknowledged that stress is a significant factor for veterinary professionals when communicating with clients regarding cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and when performing CPR in practice, but there are ways this can be managed and reduced. Stress in human CPR is known to occur due to lack of role clarity. Given it is documented that the likelihood of achieving return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) in patients is impacted not only by the quality of the compressions delivered but also the speed in which CPR is initiated, we must consider how we can best prepare practice teams and patients to provide prompt CPR. This is of particular importance when we consider that in cases where cardiopulmonary arrest has occurred due to an acute, reversible cause such as anaesthesia, patients are significantly more likely to achieve ROSC.
This session aims to explore ways to reduce the stress associated with CPR by providing attendees with tools to prepare the client, patient and practice.
Preparedness begins at the admission appointment via early conversations with clients regarding CPR codes and DNR status. The challenges associated with this will be discussed with a view to improving and overcoming these, to ease potential emotional stress for both the client and veterinary professional. Assessment and preparation of the patient will be covered to ensure CPR can be initiated promptly. Finally, how the practice and team can be prepared will be covered by discussing the environment in which CPR is performed, team roles/communication and training of team members.

• 1.Attendees will gain an understanding of the challenges faced when communicating with clients regarding CPR including discussing CPR codes and DNR status.
• 2.Attendees will be able to consider how to prepare for CPR by considering the individual patient.
• 3.Attendees will obtain information and techniques designed to prepare their practice environment and team for performing CPR.