What is the RECOVER Initiative?
The Reassessment Campaign on Veterinary Resuscitation (RECOVER) initiative was spearheaded by a team of veterinary emergency and critical care specialists in 2010 to develop and disseminate the first true evidence-based veterinary cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) guidelines.
Through the efforts of over 100 veterinary specialists working with the RECOVER Initiative, the very first evidence-based veterinary CPR guidelines were published in the Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care in 2012 which were updated and revised in 2024
What makes RECOVER CPR certification special?
The RECOVER certification process is the ONLY veterinary CPR certification recognised by the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care (ACVECC) and Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society (VECCS) as a standardised method derived from the latest evidence-based veterinary CPR guideline. The initiative is also a non-profit endeavour.
How Do I Certify?
The first step in certification is to complete the online course to earn a certificate in Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Life Support (ALS). You can then become a RECOVER Certified BLS Rescuer® and RECOVER Certified ALS Rescuer® by participating in an in-person training session. More information on the process can be found at “How Certification Works”
RECOVER Courses
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2024 RECOVER CPR – BLS
The 2024 RECOVER CPR—BLS (Basic Life Support) Course focuses on replacing the crucial functions of the cardiopulmonary system in patients with acute CPA. Participants will learn about the latest recommendations for performing high-quality BLS, including the approach to rapid diagnosis of CPA, how to tailor chest compressions to individual patients to maximize blood flow, and options for ventilation during CPR.
After completing this course, you will be able to:
Use the RECOVER Initial Assessment Algorithm, to rapidly determine if an unresponsive patient is in cardiopulmonary arrest.
Demonstrate correct technique for chest compressions in dogs and cats of various sizes and chest conformations to maximise blood flow during CPR.
Explain the approaches to ventilation during CPR in dogs and cats and the pros and cons of each.
Authored by Daniel J. Fletcher, PhD, DVM, DACVECC, Associate Professor of Emergency and Critical Care at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, this course teaches the evidence-based Basic Life Support (BLS) guidelines developed by the Reassessment Campaign on Veterinary Resuscitation (RECOVER) Initiative.
Certification in BLS by the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care will be conferred upon completion. This online course is a prerequisite to the 2024 RECOVER CPR – ALS online course.
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2024 RECOVER CPR – ALS
Advanced Life Support (ALS) is initiated after Basic Life Support (BLS) has been started. In this 2024 RECOVER CPR – ALS Course, participants will learn about adjunctive therapies that can help improve blood flow and oxygen delivery to vital organs and correct physiologic derangements such as arrhythmias or metabolic disturbances secondary to ischemia.
After completing this course, you will be able to:
Use the RECOVER ECG Algorithm, differentiate the 4 main arrest rhythms: asystole, pulseless electrical activity, ventricular fibrillation, and pulseless ventricular tachycardia.
Based on the ECG rhythm diagnosis, develop a drug treatment plan including vasopressors, parasympatholytics, anti-arrhythmics, fluid therapy, buffer therapy, and treatment of electrolyte disorders.
Demonstrate safe and effective use of an electrical defibrillator and explain the physiology underlying the use of electrical defibrillation for shockable arrest rhythms.
Tailor the treatment plan for patients with prolonged cardiopulmonary arrest.
Employ structured techniques for effective communication and team dynamics during management of an acute medical crisis.
This course, authored by Daniel J. Fletcher, PhD, DVM, DACVECC, Associate Professor of Emergency and Critical Care at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, will help prepare your team and maximize the chance of a successful outcome for your patients.
Certification in ALS by the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care will be conferred upon completion.
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Become a RECOVER Certified Rescuer
Individuals who have completed the online Basic and/or Advanced Life Support RECOVER courses have the option of obtaining certification as RECOVER Certified Rescuers in Basic and Advanced Life Support.
Rescuer Certification Workshops are conducted by Certified Instructors at conferences and regional events. These workshops are also available, conducted by Kathryn across the North West of England . In almost all instances, Basic (BLS) and Advanced (ALS) workshops are held on the same day to allow individuals to become BLS & ALS certified and can be held in-house/in-practice.
Please also see the list of RECOVER Certified Instructors to see if other events might be taking place in your region or if you are interested in reaching out to an alternative instructor about hosting a workshop for your team.