Essentials of Emergency

Emergency medicine rarely gives you a quiet moment to think. A patient crashes, the phone keeps ringing, and three cases need you at once, all while the clock is running. Even the most experienced vets will tell you the hard part isn't the knowledge, it's holding it all together when everything happens at once and there's no one beside you to talk it through. This course gives you a clear system to fall back on in those moments, so you can triage fast, catch shock early, stabilise with what you have on hand, and stay in control of the room no matter how the shift unfolds.

What you'll learn, week by week

Week 1

Triage

Sort fast. Think clearly. Stay organised.

This module teaches you how to assess patients quickly and accurately, both over the phone and in the clinic - so you can triage in under two minutes, identify life-threatening conditions, and communicate confidently with owners.

What you will master inside this module:

• Triage scoring systems
• Cardiovascular, respiratory, neurologic and urologic triage
• Managing multiple emergencies at once

More about this module ▼

• Phone and front desk triage
• Vital signs and the primary survey

Lessons in this module

Lesson 1

Introduction and Phone TriageSet the stage for effective emergency care from the very first call. Learn how to guide worried owners, identify true emergencies early, and use focused questions to gather the details you need before the patient walks through the door.

Lesson 2

Triage ExamplesSee theory in action with real-world examples of common presentations - from trauma to toxin ingestion - so you recognise red flags, prioritise cases and sharpen your clinical reasoning.

Lesson 3

Triage ExamMaster a fast, structured triage exam, covering each step of the primary and secondary survey so you spot life-threatening problems quickly and respond with purpose.

Lesson 4

Cardiovascular TriageAssess the cardiovascular system in a crisis - pulse quality, heart rate, mucous membranes and other critical findings that guide your next steps in stabilising a patient.

Lesson 5

Respiratory TriageRecognise respiratory distress before it escalates. Evaluate breathing patterns, detect cyanosis, and decide when oxygen therapy or urgent intervention is needed.

Lesson 6

Neurologic TriageSharpen your neurologic assessment under pressure - how mentation, posture and reflexes help you identify underlying emergencies and prioritise care.

Lesson 7

Urologic TriageDetect and manage urologic emergencies, with the key signs of urinary obstruction and how to differentiate stable from unstable cases.

Lesson 8

Goal of TriageBring it all together with a clear focus on what triage is meant to achieve - how rapid assessment, teamwork and clear communication improve outcomes for even the most critical patients.

Lesson 9

CasesApply what you've learned in interactive case discussions that reinforce decision-making and show how to move from assessment to action with confidence.

By the end of this module, you will feel prepared to triage quickly, keep several emergencies moving at once, and stay on top of the room even when it gets busy.

Week 2

Shock

Recognise quickly. Intervene early. Save lives.

Understand the four types of shock, how they present, and what to do when every second matters.

What you will master inside this module:

• Types of shock: hypovolaemic, distributive, cardiogenic and obstructive
• Clinical signs and subtle indicators
• The stages of shock, from compensation to decompensation

More about this module ▼

• The pathophysiology behind each type
• Prioritising patient needs and managing client communication

Lessons in this module

Lesson 1

ShockLearn what shock really means on a cellular level and why early recognition saves lives - the physiology of poor perfusion, oxygen delivery and energy failure, in simple, practical terms.

Lesson 2

Patient #1Dive into distributive shock through a focused case study - the key signs of vasodilation and how to differentiate it from other shock types in a crisis.

Lesson 3

Patient #2Explore cardiogenic shock step by step - how heart failure leads to poor perfusion and why these patients need a different treatment approach.

Lesson 4

Patient #3Review obstructive shock in a clear, case-based discussion - how conditions like GDV or pericardial effusion block circulation, and what to do first.

Lesson 5

Patient #4Practise sorting stable from unstable patients, reinforcing the importance of trends, reassessment and staying alert to subtle changes.

Lesson 6

Stages of ShockUnderstand the progression from early compensation to decompensation and irreversible damage, so you can recognise the stage and respond effectively.

Lesson 7

Clinical SignsGet confident identifying the outward signs of shock - from mucous membrane colour to pulse quality - and exactly what to look for.

Lesson 8

Client CommunicationExplain shock to worried owners clearly and compassionately, with tips for discussing prognosis, costs and urgency in a way that builds trust.

Lesson 9

PrognosisExplore what factors influence survival and recovery, so you can set realistic expectations and make informed recommendations.

Lesson 10

Most Common QuestionsGet answers to the questions vets hear most often about shock - quick, practical guidance to help you feel prepared in any conversation.

By the end of this module, you will feel prepared to confidently identify the different types of shock, understand their pathophysiology, and know exactly how to start treating them fast - even when the diagnosis is still evolving.

Week 3

Point-of-Care Diagnostics & Stabilisation

Use what you have. Stabilise what you can.

Master the tests and treatments that can be done immediately, even before full workups - using the tools you already have to get rapid, meaningful answers.

What you will master inside this module:

• How to use PCV/TP, glucose, lactate, blood smear and acid-base analysis
• POCUS: when and how to use it

More about this module ▼

• Interpreting sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium
• Initial oxygen therapy, pain control and triage-based decision making
• Early stabilisation tips for the unstable patient

Lessons in this module

Lesson 1

Point of Care DiagnosticsQuickly gather the most important data when minutes count - the essential tools and techniques for bedside testing in emergency cases.

Lesson 2

NOVA / ISTAT EvaluationInterpret NOVA and ISTAT results confidently, covering acid-base balance, electrolytes and the critical parameters that guide immediate treatment decisions.

Lesson 3

SodiumDetect and manage sodium imbalances in emergency patients - the causes, risks and correction strategies, step by step.

Lesson 4

PotassiumUnderstand why potassium matters in critical care - how to recognise hyperkalaemia and hypokalaemia and act quickly to protect your patient's heart.

Lesson 5

CalciumReview the role of calcium in stabilising your patients - how to spot abnormalities, interpret their impact and plan appropriate interventions.

Lesson 6

MagnesiumUnderstand the importance of magnesium in emergencies - when to test, how to supplement, and why this overlooked electrolyte can make a big difference.

Lesson 7

POCUS - Point of Care UltrasoundBuild confidence using ultrasound at the bedside - techniques for detecting effusions, evaluating the heart and guiding procedures safely.

Lesson 8

Beyond TraumaExplore the many ways point-of-care ultrasound helps beyond trauma cases - applying it in medical emergencies, shock and complex presentations.

Lesson 9

Organ Identification and EchotextureDevelop your eye for ultrasound anatomy - recognising organs, assessing their structure and detecting abnormalities efficiently.

Lesson 10

StabilisationBring diagnostics and action together with a clear, stepwise approach to stabilising critical patients based on your findings.

By the end of this module, you will feel prepared to stabilise patients even before full workups are available.

Week 4

Fluid Therapy

Fluids save lives. Learn to use them wisely.

Not all fluids are created equal. This module gives you the confidence to choose the right fluid, at the right rate, for the right patient.

What you will master inside this module:

• Types of fluids and when to use them
• Understanding crystalloids vs colloids

More about this module ▼

• Calculating doses and rates
• Adjusting plans for different shock states
• Troubleshooting adverse responses and spotting when things go wrong

Lessons in this module

Lesson 1

The Basics of Fluid TherapyGet grounded in the core principles - why fluids are used, how they move through the body, and the goals you're working toward in each patient.

Lesson 2

Assessment of HydrationMaster evaluating hydration status - which physical exam findings matter most and how to interpret them accurately under pressure.

Lesson 3

Fluid TypesUnderstand the options in your fluid bag - the differences between crystalloids, colloids, hypertonics and maintenance solutions, so you choose confidently.

Lesson 4

Adverse EffectsRecognise and prevent complications from fluid therapy - overload, electrolyte shifts and other risks to watch for.

Lesson 5

Route of Fluid AdministrationReview the pros and cons of each route - intravenous, intraosseous and subcutaneous - and when and how to use each effectively.

Lesson 6

Fluid Therapy PlanBuild stepwise plans tailored to each patient - calculating rates, setting goals and adjusting therapy over time.

Lesson 7

Discontinuing Fluid TherapyKnow when and how to taper fluids safely, monitoring your patient and transitioning back to maintenance or oral hydration.

Lesson 8

Case #1Work through a real-life scenario, reinforcing how to assess, plan and monitor fluid therapy step by step.

Lesson 9

Case #2Manage fluids in a patient with complex needs, building confidence in adapting plans as clinical status evolves.

Lesson 10

Case #3Challenge yourself with a case involving special considerations, fine-tuning your decision-making and spotting subtle red flags.

By the end of this module, you will feel prepared to select, calculate and administer fluid therapy in emergency patients with confidence.

Week 5

Case-Based & Real-World Application

Bring it all together. Make confident decisions.

In this final module, you'll apply everything you've learnt to case-based scenarios, building complete plans from presentation through to discharge.

What you will master inside this module:

• Build emergency plans for different patients
• Make confident fluid, drug and diagnostic choices

More about this module ▼

• Make time-critical decisions and adjust treatment plans on the fly
• Learn what to do when things go wrong

Lessons in this module

Lesson 1

Case #1Follow a step-by-step approach to an emergency presentation from triage through treatment, practising how to recognise priorities and make quick, informed decisions.

Lesson 2

Case #2Explore a complex case with multiple competing problems - organising your assessment, choosing diagnostics and setting clear treatment goals.

Lesson 3

Case #3Test your skills in a scenario involving critical electrolyte and perfusion issues, where small details shape your plan and outcome.

Lesson 4

Case #4Work through a neurologic emergency and review stabilisation strategies, balancing supportive care, monitoring and communication with owners.

Lesson 5

Case #5Manage a patient with both trauma and metabolic challenges, reinforcing reassessment and adapting your approach as new information arrives.

Lesson 6

Case #6Apply everything you've learned in a final case study - building a treatment plan, anticipating complications and coordinating care from start to finish.

By the end of this module, you will feel prepared to make quick, sound decisions under real time pressure and keep a clear head when a case is moving fast.

You don't have to take our word for it. Here are a few words from vets and students who have already joined.

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Pick your start date and save your spot

We run Essentials of Emergency in small guided cohorts so Dr Walton and the team can properly support everyone and answer real clinical questions along the way. Enrolment for the next cohort is open now, and you get full access the day yours begins - so you can plan your six weeks around the shifts you're already working. Once a cohort's start date passes, the next chance to join is the following month.