Triage & First Aid: A Lifesaving Skill for Pet Owners

In an emergency, every second counts – especially when it comes to your pet’s health. Knowing how to assess a situation, provide basic first aid, and seek veterinary care promptly can make all the difference. Especially because pets cannot express their health concerns the way humans do.

Why First Aid Matters

Buys Critical Time – First aid stabilises your pet before professional care, improving outcomes.

Prevents Further Injury – Proper handling reduces the risk of worsening a condition.

Saves Lives – The right and quick action in emergencies like choking, bleeding, or poisoning can be the key to survival.

Veterinary professionals are your pet’s ultimate caregivers, but YOU are their first line of defence. A deep emotional bond with your pet gives you an opportunity to be the first one to understand when something is wrong. Equip yourself with the right knowledge with the help of our team.

What Does the Training Cover?

Our ongoing triage and first aid training is designed by Emergency and Critical Care (ECC) veterinary professionals who understand the urgency of pet emergencies. Using their extensive knowledge and hands-on experience, they have adapted complex clinical information into practical, easy-to-follow guidance for pet owners with no medical background. This ensures that anyone can confidently assess a pet’s condition, take appropriate first-aid measures, and communicate effectively with veterinary teams in emergencies. Our goal is to empower pet owners with the right skills to bridge the critical moments between an accident and professional care – because every second matters.

The training is structured into key sections covering the most common pet emergencies, ensuring a well-rounded understanding of urgent care situations. Participants will learn to recognise and respond to trauma-related injuries, such as fractures and wounds, as well as toxicities, including poisoning from household substances or plants. The course also covers respiratory emergencies, like choking or breathing difficulties, and gastrointestinal issues, such as bloating or severe vomiting. Additionally, we’ll address urinary emergencies, including blockages that require immediate attention. To prepare pet owners for seasonal risks, the training includes specialised modules on dangers like tick paralysis, snake bites, and heatstroke, equipping them with the knowledge to act fast in Canberra-specific emergencies.

About Your Trainers

This course was created and designed by Lesia Matvieieva, a dedicated professional with over 15 years of experience in the animal industry. After witnessing firsthand the impact of emergencies at CVES and beyond, she recognised the urgent need to improve knowledge and preparedness among local pet owners. Lesia’s mission is to equip pet parents with the essential skills to take action even before arriving at a veterinary practice, potentially saving lives. With the extensive support of the CVES clinical team, she has developed a unique, accessible course that transforms complex emergency care into practical knowledge for every pet owner. Whether you’re a seasoned pet parent or new to animal care, this training will give you the confidence to handle emergencies and be the best advocate for your pet’s health.

Co-presenting the course is Eric Davis, Acting Veterinary Nurse Manager, who brings over 10 years of experience in veterinary medicine. With a strong background in emergency and critical care, Eric will provide his clinical expertise and demonstrate hands-on first-aid skills that every pet owner should know. From emergency assessment to proper bandaging techniques and performing compressions as part of life-saving CPR, he will break down essential skills into easy-to-follow, practical steps. His guidance ensures that pet parents feel confident in taking immediate action during an emergency, giving their pets the best chance at a positive outcome before they reach veterinary care.

Helping Local Charities

Beyond empowering pet owners with lifesaving skills, this course also gives back to the community – all profits (after costs) will be donated to local animal rescue and welfare charities. By participating, you’re not only equipping yourself with essential emergency care knowledge but also helping provide critical support to animals in need. These funds will go toward rescuing, treating, rehabilitating, and rehoming vulnerable pets, ensuring they receive the medical care, shelter, and love they deserve. This means that every enrollment in the course contributes directly to improving the lives of animals – both in your home and in the wider community.