Building a Veterinary Emergency Triage Protocol for Your Practice

Why Structured Triage Matters

Without a protocol, triage decisions default to whoever answers the phone, leading to inconsistency and risk.

The 4-Level Triage System

Level 1: Immediately Life-Threatening (RED) — Seen within minutes

• Respiratory distress, active hemorrhage with shock, seizures, GDV, cardiac arrest
• Red flags: HR >180 or <60 (dogs), >260 or <120 (cats); RR >60 with effort; CRT >3s; T <97°F or >106°F

Level 2: Urgent (ORANGE) — Seen within 15–30 minutes

• Fractures without shock, urethral obstruction, corneal ulcer, dystocia

Level 3: Semi-Urgent (YELLOW) — Seen within 1–2 hours

• Vomiting with mild dehydration, lacerations needing sutures, limping

Level 4: Non-Urgent (GREEN) — Can wait or be scheduled

• Chronic skin issues, minor wounds, mild vaccine reactions

Vital Sign Reference Ranges

Note: Ferret heart rate normal range is 200–400 bpm per Merck Veterinary Manual.

Implementation

1. Designate a triage area near the entrance with stethoscope, thermometer, pulse oximeter
2. Credentialed technicians should triage with standing orders for IV access and oxygen
3. Use a standardized flow sheet capturing vitals, mentation, pain score, and triage level
4. Train quarterly with mock scenarios; target <5 minutes from presentation to triage assignment

Sources: VECCS triage guidelines; Merck Veterinary Manual; RECOVER CPR guidelines.