ABSTRACT: Triage is the process by which the stability of a patient is determined, being able to confidently triage patients allows those with the greatest need to be identified and treatment started in a timely manner. This article will cover the vital role veterinary nurses play in triage from the initial telephone call through to arrival at the practice, including how to perform a primary and major body systems assessment to prioritise patients.

Author

Racheal Marshall RVN,VNCertECC

Racheal qualified as a veterinary nurse in 2003 from the College of Animal Welfare in Leeds while working in a busy mixed practice. After eighteen months working as a HE lecturer in Veterinary Nursing and Animal Management in 2008 she joined Vets Now in the Bradford clinic. In 2009, Racheal transferred to the Sheffield clinic as Senior Nurse, moving up to become District Manager in 2013 where she worked overseeing six clinics. Racheal started her current role as Head of Clinical Nursing with Vets Now in 2014. Racheal was Chair of Veterinary Nurses Council from 2018-2020.

Email: racheal.marshall@vets-now.com

DOI: 10.1080/17415349.2021.1959471

Keywords: triage; primary survey; major body systems assessment; emergency

To cite this article: Veterinary Nursing Journal • VOL 36 (09) • September 2021 pp271-273

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