Overview of EMS Canine Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, commonly known as CPR, is an emergency procedure used for dogs when their heart and breathing stop, a situation known as cardiopulmonary arrest (CPA). When done correctly, CPR can significantly improve a dog’s chances of survival.
In 2012, an initiative called Reassessment Campaign on Veterinary Resuscitation (RECOVER) was launched. They published the first-ever guidelines based on solid scientific evidence for conducting CPR on small animals like dogs. These guidelines are designed to make sure everyone, from pet owners to veterinarians, uses the same best practices when giving a dog CPR.
The guidelines outline five key areas to focus on during CPR for dogs but let’s just talk about the basics, known as Basic Life Support (BLS). This includes recognizing when a dog has had a CPA, starting chest compressions, managing the airway, and providing breathing assistance. Both everyday people and medical professionals can provide BLS.
Anatomy and Physiology of EMS Canine Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
When performing CPR on dogs, there are two main theories that explain how chest compressions aid in circulating blood. The first is called the cardiac pump theory. This theory suggests that when we press on a dog’s chest during CPR, it directly squeezes the heart, which is responsible for moving blood around the body. This squeezing action can happen based on the position of the dog. In one position, the heart might get squeezed between the chest bone and the spine, and in another, it might get squeezed between the ribs.
The second theory, the thoracic pump theory, argues that chest compressions work a little differently. According to this theory, when we press on a dog’s chest, it increases the overall pressure inside the chest. This pressure then acts on the heart and the main blood vessel leading from it, forcing blood to flow out of the chest.
When performing CPR, it’s also essential to let the chest fully recoil or return to its normal position. This process allows for a kind of vacuum effect to form, which helps to pull blood back towards the lungs and heart – a crucial step for exchanging oxygen and carbon dioxide.
The actual science behind which method is more effective in dogs is not fully understood, but it’s believed that both theories play a part in most cases. Some studies on dogs showed that performing CPR in certain positions resulted in increased pressure inside the left side of the heart and increased blood flow. Other data showed higher rates of successful resuscitation when dogs were lying on their side as compared to other positions.
Although more research is needed, it’s suggested that the physical differences between different dog breeds might indicate that certain positions and compression techniques might be more beneficial than others.
For medium and large-sized dogs, directly compressing the heart might be a bit more difficult because of their larger chest sizes. As a result, the thoracic pump theory might be more applicable to them. In such cases, it might be best to put the dog on either their left or right side and perform chest compressions on the widest part of their chest to create as much pressure as possible.
Why do People Need EMS Canine Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
Canine CPR, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, is necessary when a dog experiences a non-traumatic heart and lung failure. If necessary and resources permit, a rescuer might perform CPR on a dog suffering from cardiac arrest caused by an injury, even though success chances are pretty slim. You should consider giving a dog CPR if the dog is unconscious and either not breathing or having trouble with gasping for breath.
Checking a dog’s pulse or getting an ECG (a test that measures the electrical activity of the heart) to confirm cardiac and pulmonary arrest can be difficult. Therefore, if a dog is unconscious and not breathing, don’t delay CPR while trying to get these measurements.
Preparing for EMS Canine Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
For emergency medical service (EMS) workers in the community, ensuring a safe environment is a top priority when trying to help a dog in distress. This is particularly important for EMS workers trained to operate in potentially dangerous situations. Before performing canine CPR (a type of emergency medical resuscitation for dogs), responders must make sure the area is safe.
Part of preparing a dog, particularly a law enforcement or military working dog, includes the use of a muzzle. Putting a muzzle on the dog before checking or treating it can help keep both the EMS personnel and the dog safe.
How is EMS Canine Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation performed
If a dog stops breathing and becomes unresponsive, swift action can make a big difference. Sequence of actions similar to human first aid – checking the airways, breathing, and circulation – should take place. If you think your dog has stopped breathing, start cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) right away, focusing on chest compressions.
Most dogs, regardless of size or breed, should be placed on their side for CPR. Your hands should be positioned over the widest part of your dog’s chest. Aim to do compressions at a pace of 100-120 per minute. Compressions should go about halfway down your dog’s chest. While doing compressions, it’s important to let the chest return completely to its normal position between each push.
When a dog isn’t breathing, there’s a risk of them not getting enough oxygen and having too much carbon dioxide in their blood, which might make it harder for them to start breathing again. Securing the dog’s airway early on is crucial. If necessary supplies and a trained person is nearby, they should attempt to put a breathing tube into the dog’s airway. If this isn’t possible, another option is to do “mouth-to-snout” rescue breathing: holding the dog’s mouth shut and blowing into their nostrils. But this poses a risk to the person doing it, as the dog might bite in response to the sensation.
If the dog is breathing through a tube, they should be getting 10 breaths every minute. If you’re doing mouth-to-snout breaths instead, give 30 chest compressions and then pause briefly to deliver 2 rescue breaths. Try not to interrupt the chest compressions too often, as that could decrease the chances of the dog starting to breathe again on their own. CPR should be continued in 2-minute cycles, switching people doing the compressions after each cycle to avoid fatigue which could decrease the effectiveness.
Automated external defibrillator (AED) devices, which are commonly used in human CPR, might also be useful for dogs. They can identify heart rhythms that need a shock, and deliver that shock. But to make good contact with the dog’s chest, you may need to shave its fur and apply a special gel. Remember, though, that even with an AED, it’s still vital to do chest compressions and rescue breaths.
Once you start CPR on a dog, you should try to get the dog to a vet as quickly and safely as possible. CPR should be continued until the dog starts breathing again by itself and becomes responsive, or until a vet can take over. If the dog starts breathing again, it’s crucial to get to a vet fast because there’s a high risk of the dog stopping breathing again. The dog might need support like fluid therapy, circulation support and help with breathing to help it get stronger after this type of event.
What Else Should I Know About EMS Canine Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation?
Carrying out resuscitation methods on dogs immediately when a heart and lung problem arises can significantly improve their survival chances. A lot of the time, dogs needing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) – a lifesaving technique used when the heart stops beating – happens in veterinary hospitals.
From what we’ve learned from studies on humans, starting CPR early when sudden issues occur outside of a hospital setting can better the chances of the heart successfully restarting and the patient making a complete recovery. Knowing how to recognize when a dog is experiencing heart and lung problems and understanding the steps of canine CPR are essential skills. This knowledge can increase the chances of successfully restarting a dog’s heart and ultimately increase a dog’s chance of surviving severe health complications.
