When a pet collapses or chokes, the first few minutes matter. Knowing what to do in that moment can make all the difference. That’s exactly why Team Westport hosted a First Aid and CPR Night for clients at Westport Vets South Queensferry on Wednesday 25th March 2026.
The event was organised and led by Dr Shannon L. Thorell BVM&S BSAVA PGCertSAECC MRCVS, an Advanced Practitioner in Emergency and Critical Care. Shannon is one of the out-of-hours veterinary surgeons at Westport 24, Westport Veterinary Clinic’s own emergency service.
Dr Shannon L. Thorell said:
“At our South Queensferry clinic, we recently hosted a First Aid and CPR session for our clients, and what a fantastic turnout it was. The evening covered a wide variety of common emergencies seen in dogs and cats.
Knowing first aid can be lifesaving. It helps owners stay calm and take immediate action, potentially stabilising their pet before reaching the clinic. It also gives a better understanding of their pet’s wellbeing and how to respond in urgent situations.”
Places for the free event were fully booked weeks in advance, with a waiting list due to high demand. Thirteen clients attended on the night, and there was excellent engagement throughout, with everyone taking part in the practical elements of the session.
Dr Shannon L. Thorell added:
“We wanted to empower our clients with the knowledge and confidence to help their pets in an emergency. Those first few minutes before getting to a veterinary clinic can make all the difference.”
The session focused on essential first aid skills, including recognising emergencies, managing common situations such as choking or bleeding, and safely handling an injured pet. We also covered the basics of CPR and bandaging, and when these techniques may be needed.
Clients had the opportunity to get hands-on experience with bandaging and CPR, which helped build confidence and encouraged questions in a supportive environment.”
Snacks and refreshments were available, and guests received pet-friendly treats to take home, including homemade peanut butter and apple sauce dog biscuits and Lick-e-Lix treats for cats.
Client feedback included:
Katie Corner:
“I was so happy to see this being offered and signed up immediately. The staff were so friendly and answered all our questions. Thank you for caring so much about our pets.”
Lauren McMurray:
“The session was great. I feel much more confident about dealing with an emergency if it happens.”
Anonymous:
“Really lovely session. Learned some great tips which will help increase my confidence in an emergency.”
Robert Corner:
“Loved it. Thank you so much. Everyone should do it.”
Dr Shannon L. Thorell said:
“Everyone brought great energy and enthusiasm, getting fully involved in the hands-on practicals, from bandaging techniques to life-saving CPR skills. It was fantastic to see so many pet owners keen to build confidence and be prepared.
We’re hoping to run more events like this in the future. It was great to see such engagement, and we’d love to continue supporting our clients with practical, educational sessions.
A big thank you to everyone who joined us. We loved having you there.”
Stuart McMorrow, Senior Vet and Managing Director, added:
“A big part of our role is helping owners feel confident when it matters most. Events like this give people practical skills and reassurance, which ultimately leads to better outcomes for their pets.”
Westport Veterinary Clinic hosts a variety of events throughout the year across its sites in Edinburgh, Linlithgow, South Queensferry and Winchburgh.
Some events are exclusive to clients, while others are open to the wider community. Upcoming events are advertised on Westport’s social media channels. Places fill quickly, so early booking is recommended.
