Triage in Veterinary Practice: Primary + Secondary Survey ✨

Triage is a rapid, structured assessment used to identify + treat life-threatening conditions immediately. It is important to focus on the cardiovascular, respiratory + neurological aspects!

I have written this blog, to give a very BRIEF oversight of what we should be doing during a primary + secondary survey.. this should be used as a guide only.

✨ Primary Survey (ABCDE)

It may sound harsh, but think: treat what is likely to kill the patient first

A - Airway

Assess: is the airway patent? is there an obstruction?

Act: clear airway, extend neck, intubate if needed + give oxygen

B - Breathing

Assess: rate, effort, pattern, lung sounds

Look out for: dyspnoea, cyanosis, paradoxical breathing

Act: oxygen (flow-by, mask, nasal, cage), assist ventilation if needed

C - circulation 

Assess: heart rate, pulse quality, mucous membrane colour, capillary refill time (normal <2 seconds)

Look out for: pale/cyanotic mucous membranes, prolonged capillary refill time, weak pulses

Act: control haemorrhage, IV access, fluids, monitor ECG + BP

D - Disability (this is one that I always struggle to remember!)

Assess: mentation (are they alert?), pupils, motor function

Act: protect airway, avoid jugular pressure (head trauma)

E - Exposure 

Assess: wounds, fractures, swelling, temperature

Act: prevent hypothermia, minimise stress

✨ Mucous Membranes (Quick Guide)

• Pale: shock/anaemia
• red: inflammation/early shock
• blue: hypoxia
• yellow: jaundice
• cherry red: carbon monoxide toxicity
• brown: paracetamol toxicity

✨ Secondary Survey

Once our patient is stable, we now check everything else!

Short history 

• onset + progression
• medications
• trauma/toxin exposure
• eating/drinking/urination
• previous conditions

head-to-tail examination

• head: mucous membranes, eyes, oral cavity
• neck: pain, swelling, jugulars
• thorax: heart/lungs, breathing
• abdomen: pain, distension
• spine: alignement, pain
• limbs: fractures, pulses, wounds
• skin: wounds, bruising
• perineum: discharge/obstruction
• tail/rectum: tone, faeces

IV access

• uses include: fluids, drugs, bloods
• common sites include: cephalic, saphenous

✨ key takeaway

• primary survey = save life
• secondary survey = find cause

Keep it simple, stay systematic + you're unlikely to miss what matters! Not sure about something? ASK!

I really hope this helps! For a quick-reference version or more in-depth information, you can purchase my 'patient assessment' poster + my 'first aid + emergencies' guide here: 

https://thatvetnurselife.co.uk/products/first-aid-emergency-guide-44pp-veterinary-nursing-students-a5-booklet

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my blog, Jade x