Even for true emergencies, you should get a short history if at all possible so proper preparations can be made to deal with the emergency. The intern on call and ICU technicians should be notified as soon as possible if a critically ill animal is on the way to the hospital. Always find out if a client has been here before, with this animal or any other animal. Often, you will receive calls for general information. You are allowed to handle those calls that you feel comfortable with, but if there is any question at all in your mind, or in the client s mind, please call the intern on call.
Clients frequently call after hours to check on a pet s condition.
These calls should be handled by advising the owner that you will attempt to make contact with the clinician of record and relay the message. A telephone number where the client can be reached should be obtained. The client should NOT be told the clinician will call back within any given period of time nor should an opinion about the pet s condition be given. The intern on call must talk with referring veterinarians before they refer a case in order to confirm and record clinical findings, lab findings, drugs the animal was given, etc. The intern on call will usually have you call them after the client arrives.