2024 RECOVER Pet CPR Guideline Updates
The 2024 RECOVER pet CPR guidelines were released this month with a few changes from their original release in 2012. These changes are summarized below, however please note that RECOVER provides standards for veterinary professionals in clinics, not individuals in the pre-vet setting. Pet CPR techniques in the pre-hospital setting are not set by RECOVER (or any official agency) & instead are recommended by licensed veterinarians overseeing pet first aid programs. These updated standards are primarily good information for pet first aid instructors on a "nice-to-know" basis, but are not essential to pre-vet settings as mentioned.
For individuals providing pre-vet resuscitation care, there is no change to methods. They should ensure scene safety & follow an ABC or MARCHE assessment to evaluate and manage immediate life threats. These rescuers should prioritize rapid, safe transport to the nearest open veterinary hospital & provide high quality, uninterrupted chest compressions and rescue breaths once enroute.
RECOVER CPR Updates:
Chest compressions in dorsal recumbency should be given at 25% depth instead of 35-50% in lateral recumbency.
Rescuers should deliver breaths using tight-fitting bag-valve mask with supplemental oxygen if available, until patient can be intubated.
Changes to medication dosage, timing & use including discontinuation of high dose epi and changes to atropine.
Changes to shockable rhythm defibrillation.
Rescuers should prioritize evaluation of breathing & airway instead of checking for pulses.
RECOVER reemphasized that high-quality chest compressions are extremely important and suggested that, when possible, multiple rescuers should take turns providing cycles. This is to reduce fatigue and ensure that the best possible care is provided. Rescuers should provide cycles in sets of two minutes each and communicate clearly when switching to reduce the time when compressions aren't being provided.
Please note that we are not representatives or affiliates of RECOVER. This article is meant to be an educational summary and is not a comprehensive evaluation of any standards or programs. For the complete information about these standards, visit: https://recoverinitiative.org/2024-guidelines/
We are grateful for organizations like RECOVER and all those that are providing this essential research to improve the care of our pets.