This course has been developed for those persons who wish to achieve NAPPS certification, but are unable to locate the American Red Cross Pet First Aid Training nearby or are unable to receive the American Red Cross Pet First Aid training at the NAPPS Annual Conference.
The American Red Cross Pet First Aid class will continue to be offered at the NAPPS Annual Conference.

IMPORTANT:
Please note that anyone who wishes to be certified by the American Red Cross in Pet First Aid must take the American Red Cross Pet First Aid class. This is important to anyone who wishes to go on and be a Red Cross Pet First Aid Instructor. The American Red Cross basic Pet First Aid class is a prerequisite for their teacher instructor class. Information may be obtained through your local chapter of The American Red Cross or by checking the web site: www.redcross.org

This course is solely for those persons interested in Pet First Aid knowledge and NAPPS certification. The course will cover the same information and use the same text as the American Red Cross course. This course however, will be geared more toward the pet sitter rather than the general public. The book was developed by the American Red Cross and the Humane Society of the United States. The DVDs or VHS tapes Pet Emergency First Aid for Dogs and Pet Emergency First Aid for Cats are recommended by the ASPCA and developed in 2004 by Apogee Enterprises, LLC, Boulder CO.

*** Pet First Aid like all science and medicine changes frequently. The NAPPS website will keep all members informed of any changes in text or teachings of this course as they occur. We want our members informed and educated to the best of our ability.

NAPPS PET FIRST AID COURSE

As a professional pet sitter, you and each individual working in your business should be well trained and prepared to deal with emergency situations. It is impossible to predict what accidents may happen no matter how conscientious you are with animal care. With humans in an emergency situation we have the luxury of calling 911 for help. With animals we must be the first responders, offering emergency first aid until a veterinarian can be contacted. For those individuals living in a metropolitan area, this may be a short auto trip. For those in rural areas, a veterinarian may not always be readily available. The immediate first aid given may mean the difference between life and death of a pet.

In this course you will gain or review some basic knowledge such as how to treat for shock, choking and medication administering. You will also learn how to assess for injury and what to do for a particular injury. Muzzling, pet rescue breathing and CPR will also be taught. A large amount of information is provided which when assimilated will aid in your self-confidence as a pet care provider. It is also in the best interest of your clients that you and your staff know how to handle a potentially dangerous situation. Stating that you are Pet First Aid trained is an excellent selling point for your business.

Though most of this class participation is reading and watching the video, some hands on experience will be required on your part.

Pen and paper for notes
2 pieces of sheeting approximately 36" long and 2" wide
Stuffed animal (preferably with an extended nose) for muzzling practice

Begin by downloading and printing the written material if you are not able to read from the NAPPS website and watch the DVD at the same location.
You will proceed by watching a section of the DVD until then a chime sounds. This tone divides the different sections. Pause the DVD at this point and read the corresponding section from the written material. Perform any practice exercises as designated. Follow through section by section until the DVD and written material are completed. Begin with the Dog First Aid and follow with the Cat First Aid section of the course. Please also note any appendices attached.

Upon completion of both sections you should take the test as instructed. A
75% or above total will be used for certification with NAPPS.

PLEASE FOLLOW THROUGH WITH EACH MEMBER OF YOUR BUSINESS TEAM SO THAT EACH MAY ATTAIN NAPPS PROFESSIONALISM.

Before you begin, please take out the Pet First Aid handbook. There are some corrections and additions to be made.

You can research the internet and speak with veterinarians only to find much controversy about first aid care and this book. Veterinarians and animal caregivers will always have differing opinions. Some of the major corrections are listed below.
Page 4 -Where step 2 is diagramed - you will note a knot in the material to be used to center a muzzle. It is best to eliminate this knot, (put an x through it in your book) especially if the animal is anxious, injured or having any breathing difficulties.
Page 12 - At the bottom of the page - it states "up to 300 pants a minute."
Many cats never pant at all in a lifetime - if they are panting they are stressed or overheated. 300 pants per minute is an EMERGENCY. This should not be considered anywhere near normal.
Page 22 - Use of a tourniquet - It is now common knowledge that the tourniquet does more harm than good to blood vessels, nerves and muscles. In humans and animals alike - only use a tourniquet if the limb is completely severed. Use direct pressure to stop bleeding.
Page 49 - Mid page - talks of kaolin (clay) which is the main ingredient in Kaopectate. Do not confuse the two. Kaopectate was once safe for cats and dogs but it has been reformulated. NEVER USE KAOPECTATE FOR CATS.

ADDITIONS TO YOUR BOOK
Open the front cover - write in large dark numbers the
ASPCA Poison Control # 1-888-426-4435
Staffed by veterinarians - 24 hours a day - 365 days a year
A $55 fee will be charged to your credit card. Direct billing to the phone line is also available.
Product chemical bases change regularly. This site is recognized as the most up to date help line. This is the same site veterinarians use. It may save a pet's life !

APPENDIX
Please note that following the dog and cat first aid text section is the appendix.
Included: Acid and Alkali list - Toxic Plant list

PET LOSS SUPPORT HOTLINES

THIS PET FIRST AID COURSE MUST NEVER TAKE THE PLACE OF PROFESSIONAL VETERINARY CARE. AS A PROFESSIONAL PET SITTER YOU MUST RECOGNIZE YOUR SKILLS AND LIMITATIONS AND SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP ACCORDINGLY.

BE SURE TO REGULARLY CHECK THE NAPPS LIBRARY FOR ADDITIONAL HEALTH ARTICLES AND ANY PERTINENT UPDATES OF THIS COURSE.