OBJECTIVES:-

• Identify patient who may benefit from pre-hospital intravenous therapy.
• Select appropriate site, catheter size and delivery system for peripheral IV insertion based on clinical situation.
• Use proper technique for site preparation and catheter insertion / fixation.
• Properly secure and frequently monitor the needle and site.

INDICATION OF PROCEDURE:-

Patient who require IV access /therapy as determined by specific protocol, clinical Judgment, or request from medical control.

PROCEDURE

Do not delay transport for the establishment of IV access.

• Undertake universal precautions (gloves, mask, goggles and gawns).
• Perform patient assessment, mechanism of injury.
• Place patient in position of comfort, if trauma patient keeps head and neck in neutral position.
• Site selection
  • Upper extremities.
  • Lower extremities.
  • Superficial scalp vein (infant).
• Site preparation (alcohol, iodine).
• Catheter selection
  • Medical 18G or 20G.
  • Trauma 14G or 16G.
• For trauma 2 IV sites should be established.
• For pediatric patient <6 years of age, IV attempts should be limited to two attempts then defer to IO (Intraosseous).
• For adult maximum 2,000ml LR can be given by AEMT without medical consultation.