Animal first aid - contents of a first aid box

Unit 4 - Animal first aid

Animal first aid

Item: Non-adherent dressing

Items: Internal thermometer and lubricating gel

Item: Saline solution

Item: Cotton wool strips

Let's take a look at the essential items that should be included in an animal first aid box...........

Why: Very absorbent, helps stop heavy bleeding

Item: Cohesive bandage

Why: Used to take rectal temperature of the animal

Why: A sterile solution - tap water cannot be used as it is not sterile!

Why: Dip in saline solution to help clean small wounds. also used in wound dressing.

Why: provides compression and support

How: Use a small amount of gel around the end of the thermometer, and place into the animals rectum - hold for a few seconds until the thermometer beeps - keep record of the temperature

How: Varying sizes, depending upon size of wound. Place over wound as first layer in dressing process, shiny side down. Does not stick on its own, therefore always used in conjunction with other items

How: Used with other items, or alone, to flush out wounds or help clear areas

How: After dipping in saline solution, wipe away from the wound gently to clean it, or wrap around wound to create absorbing layer - never use directly on a wound.

How: final stage of dressing process, wrapped around the outside of all padding, dressing and bandages.

P8 - Describe the contents of an animal first aid box

For your assignment, you will be expected to list what items are in a first aid box, provide pictures of the items and describe what they are used for...................

Item: Stethoscope

Item: Swabs/Gauzes

Item: Conforming bandage

Item: cotton buds

Item: Wound spray

Why: check heart rate of animal

Why: used to clear small areas e.g. eye, nose

Why: To pad out dressing to support wounds. Also absorbent to help stop bleeding

Why: the spray cleans and debrides the skin which aids healing

Why: To wrap around and keep padding in place

How: Place the ear tips in your ears and hold the chest piece to the left side of the animals chest -listen for 15 seconds and count the beats. Multiply the result by 4 to find out beats per minute

How: Tape one end of the bandage, then wrap around. When finished, tape the other end to keep it in place

How: read instruction - spray on small wounds and grazes - only on wounds that are not actively bleeding. Never use on large open wounds.

How: Use as and when needed - often used to pad out the bottom of dressing when wound is on paws.

How: Dip in saline water and gently wipe outwards to clear the area

Activity

Using the sheet provided, label the items on the worksheet.

Explain why the item is needed and how it should be used.

Item: Dressing tape

Item: padded bandage

Item: Safety scissors

Item: Disposable gloves

Why: Holds different parts of the dressing together

Why: absorbent for wounds bleeding heavily, but also able to wrap around and keep everything in place

Why: you cannot rip items (tape/dressing) with mouth as this will introduce bacteria

Why: Gloves should be put on before doing anything else in animal first aid. They prevent the transfer of bacteria.

How: cut off desired amount and use to keep non-adherent dressings in place

How: cut the item at the desired length

How: Tape one end of the bandage, then wrap around. When finished, tape the other end to keep it in place

How: put them on