Study links six-person canine CPR teams to better decision-making

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A new study in the Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care suggests that team size may shape how well veterinary CPR teams handle the cognitive side of a code, not just the hands-on tasks. Researchers from Washington State University and UC Davis evaluated 48 RECOVER-certified veterinary students during 15 high-fidelity canine CPR simulations using the Trauma Non-Technical Skills (T-NOTECHS) tool. Overall nontechnical scores did not differ significantly between four-, six-, and eight-rescuer teams, but six-rescuer teams scored significantly higher than four-rescuer teams in assessment and decision-making. The paper was published online April 9, 2026. (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)

Why it matters: For veterinary professionals, the finding adds nuance to CPR planning. RECOVER guidance already emphasizes clearly assigned roles, closed-loop communication, regular mock codes, and compressor rotation, and this study suggests that having enough people to distribute those tasks may improve decision-making during a simulated arrest. That could matter in busy ER and specialty settings, where one extra trained responder may help the team think more clearly while others manage compressions, ventilation, drugs, monitoring, and documentation. At the same time, the study did not show a significant difference in overall nontechnical performance or patient outcomes, so it supports team training and role design more than a simple “bigger is better” message. (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)

What to watch: The next question is whether the apparent six-person advantage in decision-making translates into better CPR quality, faster interventions, or improved return of spontaneous circulation in live clinical cases. (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)