Jess' clinical EMS experience

I spent three busy weeks at Vets4Pets in Hereford. This was my first clinical EMS placement since finishing my third-year exams which was an exciting prospect.

During my time there I saw quite a range of animals from your classic companions and small furries to exotics and birds.. and wildlife! The variety of animals seen developed my handling skills, especially in those animals seen less often. I was also able to crop feed birds which is a new skill that I now feel confident in doing!

One of the benefits of a three-week placement is seeing a case from start to finish, for example when a patient requires a recheck the week later and I am there to see the changes and the next steps required.

From the start, the team actively involved me in all aspects of the work. The Vets took the time to go through history’s, test results, surgery and imaging results with me and asked me questions along the way which I really appreciated. A really big highlight for me has been being allowed to scrub into surgeries!! I assisted with bitch/cat neuterings, ex-lap for a foreign body removal and a wound closure! 

The nursing team are also fabulous. Not only because they let me practice clinical skills but because they are so friendly. They let me help prepare patients for surgeries including preparing and administering drugs, intubating, prepping the surgical site and I even monitored anesthesias from start to finish! 

And I can’t not mention the receptionists - they are so cheery and welcoming too! 

Vets4Pets Hereford work with a local cat rescue centre and I went there on a visit. It was a great insight into shelter medicine as it was not something I had experienced before. I also learnt about the trap, neuter, release programme for feral cats which is crucial for population control and to reduce prevalence of infectious diseases.

I applied for this placement through a bursary that Vets4Pets were offering for a two week placement. The bursary has been invaluable as EMS placements come with costs. I’m glad I came here to experience Vets4Pets (this is the first corporate vets I’ve been too)! And I hope that I’ll be able to squeeze in another placement with them! They are a fab team and made me feel a part of it - Thank you!! 

A last note to say that Herefordshire is a wonderful area and the practice is situated a very short walk away from public transport links and shops and there is parking on site too.