Description
SAVC and AVNAT Approved Course
This flexi CPD course is aimed at vet nurses and vet technicians in general practice and is available on-demand with unlimited lifetime access. Each module consists of a tutorial, quiz and further reading articles
Module 1
Preparation and Monitoring of Critical Cases
- Preparedness
- Considerations
- Invasive blood pressure monitoring
- Blood gas analysis
- Spirometry
Learning objectives
After completion of this module, participants should be able to:
- List generalised considerations for preparing to anaesthetise emergency cases
- Setup and use invasive blood pressure monitoring and how this relates to oscillometric and doppler techniques
- Interpret a basic blood gas analysis and outline how this abnormality may have occurred
- Explain what spirometry is and how it differs from capnography
Module 2
Abdominal Surgical Emergencies
- Gastric dilatation and volvulus
- Haemoabdomen
- The acute abdomen
- Epidural anaesthesia
Learning objectives
After completion of this module, participants should be able to:
- Understand the physiological disturbances caused by gastric dilatation and volvulus
- Understand the physiological disturbances caused by haemoabdomen
- Understand the physiological disturbances caused by the acute abdomen
- Suggest considerations for these surgeries and list possible complications that may arise during anaesthesia
- List the total and relative contraindications for epidural anaesthesia
Module 3
Thoracic Surgical Emergencies
- Pyothorax
- Penetrating injuries
- Diaphragmatic rupture
- Mechanical ventilation
Learning objectives
After completion of this module, participants should be able to:
- Understand the physiological disturbances caused by pyothorax
- Understand the physiological disturbances caused by a penetrating injury
- Understand the physiological disturbances caused by diaphragmatic rupture
- Suggest considerations for these surgeries and list possible complications that may arise during anaesthesia
- Feel confident to safely choose ventilator settings for use during non-emergency surgery
Module 4
Caesareans
- Physiology
- ASA categorisation
- Anaesthesia protocols
- Anaesthesia infusions (TIVA)
Learning objectives
After completion of this module, participants should be able to:
- Understand the physiological considerations for caesarean section
- Assign and justify the choice of an ASA category to the caesarean section patient
- Suggest a safe protocol for caesarean section, with variation based on differing drug availability depending on clinical setting
- Understand the basis of total intravenous anaesthesia infusions
Module 5
What’s Happening? What Should I do?
- Hypoxia
- Hypocapnia
- Hypotension
- ECG Abnormalities
Learning objectives
After completion of this module, participants should be able to:
- List possible causes of, and suggest treatments for hypoxia and hypocapnia
- List possible causes of hypotension and discuss the physiology of both pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment options
- Interpret the most common ECG abnormalities seen and understand how these rhythms will affect the patient, and have an understanding of possible treatment options
The course will be available immediately following purchase, with unlimited lifetime access and will provide a total of:
12 hours of CPD (UK)
12 points (Australia and New Zealand)
12 points (South Africa – SAVC Accreditation Number AC/2567/25)
Release date: Jun 2025
Emily W –
Fantastic course with so much detail!! Very interactive with lots of different tasks to stretch your knowledge and cater to your learning style. This is the best one I have attended!
Rated: Advanced level
(Qualified RVN in general practice >5 years – UK)
Jordan P –
This course was extremely informative and very in depth. I really enjoyed how thorough each presentation was and finding out the ‘why’ behind certain topics.
Rated: Intermediate / Advanced level
(Newly qualified (<2 years) - UK)
Lyndsey W –
I found this so useful, especially working in referral!
Rated: Advanced level
(Referral or specialist RVN – UK)
Florence F –
Fantastic course. Really enjoyed the online accessibility/layout of course and range of assessment methods (tutorials, forum, case studies and quiz). Course tutor was very engaging and provided good feedback. Would have liked it if we were able to print out more detailed course notes to reference back to.
Rated: Advanced level
(Qualified RVN in general practice >5 years – UK)
Patrick W –
Well in-depth and inciteful course
Rated: Intermediate level
(Newly qualified (<2 years) - UK)
Rachel G –
Very in-depth lectures and explained in a really understandable way. Applies to general practice as well so has been really helpful
Rated: Advanced level
(Newly qualified (<2 years) - UK)
Caroline J –
I found this course to be packed full of useful, usable information.
Rated: Intermediate level
(Referral or specialist RVN – UK)