The Emergency Phone

The emergency phone, managed by the CVPA USU Student Representative, is a great way to gain clinical experience with local practitioners in Cache Valley. Having these opportunities is a privilege, and it is very kind of the practitioners to call a vet student and give them an opportunity to learn. It is important that as veterinary students, we display professionalism, preparedness, and punctuality when we go to these clinics. Therefore, listed below are guidelines that need to be followed when responding to a call on the emergency phone.

Phone Call/Clinical Experience Etiquette

When signing up on the emergency phone sign-up sheet, please only sign up for two days. This will allow everyone in the class to have an opportunity to sign up. After the initial sign-up deadline, any open days are fair game. Please be respectful of your classmates and allow everyone the opportunity to have these clinical experiences.
Try to sign up for days you know you will be able to attend calls. The entire point of signing up for the phone is to gain experiences and it is important to pick a time when you are confident you can be present. Unforeseen circumstances arise – in which case you can see if another classmate can take the phone for the night, or you can answer the phone calls and politely let the practitioner know you will be unable to attend.
If you are “on call” for the night – ANSWER EVERY PHONE CALL. Even if you are unable to go, please answer every phone call and let the practitioner know if you will be able to attend. We do not want to waste their time.
When you answer the phone, it is important to introduce yourself and say you are the vet student on call. This lets the doctor know who you are and that they did in fact call the right number. Remember to be polite and professional, we represent the school.
- Example: “Hello, my name is Jane and I am the vet student on call”. Then allow the doctor to explain the emergency to you. After they are done speaking, ask questions to clarify any necessary information needed to attend the emergency. Let them know politely if you are able to attend, and then thank them for the opportunity.
Be prepared and punctual! During the phone call, find out all necessary information in order to be prepared and punctual. Make sure you know the doctor’s name, what clinic you will be going to, and what time they would like you to be there. ALWAYS arrive 5 minutes early if possible.
Dress professionally and bring your own equipment. For these calls, it is most appropriate to wear scrubs and bring your own stethoscope. If you do not have time to change into scrubs, make sure you are wearing clothing that would be deemed professional enough to see clients, and wear close-toed shoes.
Remember, when you attend a call, you are there to shadow the doctor. Follow all directions given to you by them. It is not appropriate to speak with clients about any medical care for their pet unless instructed to you by the doctor.
Please thank the doctor at the end of your opportunity! This is also a good time to ask any questions and have a discussion about the treatment with the doctor. YOU decide how valuable to make the experience for yourself. Being attentive and respectful will allow us to keep doing these opportunities, and will make the doctors more likely to call!

After reading these terms, if you have any further questions about the sign up form/emergency phone. Please reach out to the current CVPA USU Student Representative - Bailey Bunker.

Email Bailey @ bailey.bunker@wsu.edu