First Aid and CPR Flashcards

A dog is choking on a foreign object and is still conscious. What is the recommended first step?

Answer: Open the mouth and attempt to remove the object if visible

If the animal is conscious and an object is clearly visible, carefully attempt to remove it with fingers or tools before escalating to abdominal thrusts.

What does the acronym 'ABC' stand for in animal emergency assessment?

Answer: Airway, Breathing, Circulation

ABC stands for Airway, Breathing, Circulation — the three primary systems checked during an emergency triage assessment.

Which of the following scenarios calls for using the Heimlich maneuver on a dog?

Answer: The dog is pawing at its mouth and unable to vocalize

Pawing at the mouth and inability to vocalize are classic signs of a complete airway obstruction requiring the Heimlich maneuver.

When treating a heat stroke victim in the field, which cooling method is SAFEST for the animal?

Answer: Apply cool (not cold) wet towels to the neck, armpits, and groin

Cool wet towels applied to blood-vessel-rich areas bring temperature down safely; ice water can cause shock and vasoconstriction, trapping heat.

An animal has a severe nosebleed after trauma. What is the correct first aid response?

Answer: Apply firm pressure to the bridge of the nose with a cloth

Firm, gentle pressure on the bridge of the nose helps slow blood flow; tilting the head back can cause the animal to swallow blood.

How often should you check for a pulse while performing CPR on an animal?

Answer: Every 2 minutes

Checking for a pulse every 2 minutes balances the need for continuous compressions with the need to assess cardiac return.

What is the correct ratio of compressions to breaths when performing one-rescuer CPR on a cat?

Answer: 30:2

A 30:2 ratio (30 compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths) is the standard for one-rescuer CPR in cats and small dogs.