A New Type Of Crash Cart?

An article in the October 2009 edition of Veterinary Practice News explores the problems associated with veterinary hospitals that are unprepared for medical emergencies. The thought is that developing and keeping a well-stocked and organized crash cart would create less chaos and make a difference in saving a life. To quote the article, "when emergency medicine isn't a daily routine readiness can lag. In the moment of need, technicians rush to find the appropriate drugs and equipment instead of reaching for it in it's designed space. This reduces the likelihood of a successful recovery."

It occurred to me that veterinary hospitals could also benefit from having an "emotional crash cart." These would be protocols, materials, and other procedures in place to help support the emotional needs of clients during these critical times. Obviously, medical intervention is paramount, but it is also important for the staff to know how to effectively support clients in these unexpected times

I would imagine that many emergency hospitals already have something like this since they see medical crises on a daily basis. How about your average general practitioner? It seems to be an excellent idea to me. I think I'll start developing a formal emotional crash cart for our hospital...what kinds of things should I include to help a pet owner in crisis? I welcome your ideas!

--Dana

Comments

[Daisy the Curly Cat]

Daisy's "mom" here; we have really appreciated the facilities that have a special room for pets that are being PTS. It was so much nicer to be in a less "medical" setting, and to have a room with an exit by the back door so we didn't have to walk through the entire reception room full of people with our weepy eyes and empty carrier. We also appreciated receiving a simple condolence card signed by the vet and staff.

[Laurel]

Such a great idea, Dana. We sort of did this when I worked at CSU, but it was more like a well-stocked exam room, with everything a vet or tech might need to support a client during a difficult time...facial tissues are a MUST, as well as drinking cups for water, ClayPaws kits for making those final paw prints, small plastic bags and scissors for those who want some clippings of a pet's fur. And, of course, hand-outs and information that might help someone make decisions or deal with grief once they leave the clinic.

I love the term 'emotional crash cart.' In a small hospital where emotional conversations might take place in any exam room, these items could be in some sort of a carrier that could be taken from room to room and restocked when needed. I'd love to hear more about this if you really develop it in your hospital!

[Dana]

Hi Laurel and Daisy's mom, thanks for your ideas and for posting comments. Laurel...I really like the concept of an "emotional crash cart" too. I should probably get the ball rolling to write some articles about it!

[Laurel Hunt]

A helpful resource to have on hand is a list of local pet cemeteries and pet loss support groups. Perhaps describe the options for cremation/burial and how the veterinarian handles each one, such as if the client wants to take the pet home for burial, is the pet in a box or what. If cremated, that you pick the remains up back at the vet - which brings me to an important suggestion. At one clinic when I picked up the remains, a vet on staff took me into an exam room and handed me the box in privacy. It is a difficult moment to see your beautiful animal reduced to a small box of sand. I burst into tears and she spent a few moments helping me through it. She also gave me some suggestions for memorializing Molly. I left with my little box, feeling validated and comforted. Contrast that with another clinic where the receptionist simply walked over to me as I sat in the reception area, handed me a little white shopping bag containing the box, and said, "Here's Emily." I will say that this second clinic handled all other aspects of euthanasia with great sensitivity, and afterwards mailed me a photo laminated with a lovely poem, in addition to a sympathy card. I have the poem, Walk With an Old Dog, posted on my web site http://laurelhuntbooks.com
Thanks for addressing this difficult topic.
LaurelH

[Dana]

Hi Laurel H, thanks for sharing your ideas and for your suggestions. I'm sorry to hear that you've been grieving a lot since Molly's and Emily's deaths. I would imagine that you loved them very much.

At our own staff meetings, I have "acted out" scenarios like this with our employees. It's so important to be sensitive and kind when giving out cremains (ashes). Thanks for writing!