RAP System: Respiration, Alertness, Perfusion

Erica Mattox, CVT, VTS (ECC), patient care director and surgery manager of WestVet in Garden City, Idaho, explains what the RAP system is.

RAP stands for respiration, alertness, and perfusion, which are the first 3 things Mattox looks at when a patient comes through the door. Is the patient having respiratory difficulties? What about any alertness changes? Finally, for perfusion, feel for their pulse and look closely at their circulatory system.