IV Access Archives - Emergency Medicine Kenya Foundation

Intraosseous Access 101

3 September, 201711 July, 2021 EMKF

IO access provides rapid vascular access in a variety of emergency situations.
There are several types of IO devices that can be used.
The humeral site is generally the least painful and quickest to access
All resuscitation and anaesthetic drugs can be given via the IO route.
Fluids need to be administered under pressure.
All devices need to be monitored and a clear handover given.

What’s the “Best” Site for Central Line Placement?

15 May, 201711 July, 2021 EMKF

Using the subclavian site for central venous catheterization reduced infections and DVT to a minimum, but tripled the risk of pneumothorax compared to the internal jugular (IJ) position. Using the femoral position eliminated pneumothorax risk, and was comparable to the IJ in infection risk, but significantly increased DVT risk.

Size does matter

18 March, 201611 July, 2021 EMKF

If you want to get big water into your patient, observe the following recommendations:

Gauge is king. Choose the fattest tube you can stick into the patient.
When it comes to catheter length, it’s not the size… it’s how you use it. Shorter catheter lengths mean less resistance.
Consider plugging your drip set directly into the catheter hub instead of using a needle-free adapter or saline lock. The aforementioned study reports significant loss of flow through these types of connectors.
Optimize the pressure difference between the bag and the vein. Place the bag high above the patient and use a compression sleeve, if indicated.

Do you know which IV cannula can deliver fluid to your patient the fastest?

20 July, 201511 July, 2021 EMKF

For decades now we’ve all been reciting the mantra that any sick or shocked patient needs: “2 large bore IVs” but do you know which IV cannula can deliver fluid to your patient the fastest?

When all else fails…aim for the jugular

16 May, 201517 May, 2015 EMKF