1	Intravenous Therapy Paramedic Program
2	IV Therapy Overview Definitions & Indications Fluid Resuscitation Equipment and Supplies Choosing Fluids and Catheters Procedure and Technique Tips Peripheral Venipuncture Intraosseous Access Potential Complications
3	Definitions IV / Venipuncture Peripheral / Central Intraosseous Access Fluid Resuscitation Medication Access Crystalloids Colloids Hypertonic Isotonic Drip Rates KVO / TKO
4	Indications for Venipuncture Volume Dehydration Water Electrolytes Blood Loss Colloids Crystalloids Venous Access to Circulation Blood collection Labs Field Chemistry Medication Administration
5	Fluid Resuscitation Dehydration and Volume Loss Replace Lost Fluid or Blood Often requires 2-3 times the amount lost (2:1 rule) Shock Management Controversial Definitive therapy = Surgery and blood replacement EMS ® judicious replacement Improve end organ perfusion (BP at 90 - 100 mm Hg)
6	Equipment and Supplies Fluids Normal Saline (0.9% NaCl) Lactated Ringers (LR or RL) 5% Dextrose in Water (D₅W) Other (D₅ 1/2 NS) Supplies IV Catheters Over the needle catheter Thru the needle catheter Hollow needle / Butterfly needles Intraosseous needle
7	Equipment and Supplies Supplies (cont’d) Infusion Sets 10 or 15 gtt/cc (large/macro drip) 60 gtt/cc (small/micro drip) “Select-3” Alcohol and Betadine Restricting Band “Tegaderm” / “Venigard” Tape Armboard (optional) Labels Saline Lock (optional)
8	Choosing Fluids & Catheters Crystalloid Fluids Volume replacement and CO/BP Isotonic No proteins Moves into tissue over short time Colloid Fluids Large proteins Remain in vascular space Blood replacement products Plasma Substitutes (Hypertonic) Dextran Hetastarch
9	Choosing Fluids & Catheters Catheters Over the needle preferred (or IO in peds) Size depends on patient’s needs and vein size Large gauge and short length for volume replacement Vein Selection For most patients, choose most distal Hand, forearm, antecubital space, and external jugular Normal Anatomy provides clues to locations avoid injury, fistula, mastectomy side
10	Theory of Fluid Flow Flow = diameter⁴/ length Larger catheters = higher flow Short catheters = somewhat higher flow Other factors affecting flow Tubing length Size of Vein Temperature and viscocity of fluid Warm fluids flow better than cold
11	Tips on Increasing Flow Use a large vein Large AC preferred for cardiac arrest, trauma, adenosine & D50 administration Use a short, large bore catheter 1^1/4 ” 14 g Use short tubing with large drip set Macrodrip (10 gtts/ml) and NO extension set Use warm fluid with pressure infuser
12	Venipuncture Procedure: Tips Talk to your patient Prepare & Assemble equipment ahead of time or direct this task Inspect fluid date, appearance, and sterility Flush air from tubing Select the most distal site if at all possible antecubital saphenous external jugular
13	Venipuncture Procedure: Tips Stabilize extremity Stabilize adjacent skin Remove restricting band before removing needle after drawing blood Remove needle & place in sharps Check for adequate flow RECHECK drip rate
14	Venipuncture Procedure: Tips
15	Intraosseous (IO) Infusion & Vascular Access Common IV sites for Pediatric patients Peripheral extremities (hand, wrist, dorsal foot, antecubital) Peripheral other (external jugular, scalp, intraosseous Neonate (umbilical vein) Any drug or fluid that can be given IV may be given by the IO route Little interference during Resuscitation
16	Intraosseous (IO) Infusion
17	Intraosseous (IO) Infusion
18	Intraosseous (IO) Infusion Indications Required drug or fluid resuscitation due to an immediate life-threat (e.g. CPR, Shock) At least 2 unsuccessful peripheral IV attempts Contraindications Placement in or distal to a fractured bone/pelvis Placement at a burn site (relative) Placement in a leg with a missed IO attempt é difficulty in patients > 6 years of age
19	Intraosseous (IO) Infusion Placement Location Anteromedial surface of the tibia Approximately 1-3 fingers (1-3 cm) below the tibial tuberosity generally safe location with large marrow cavity avoid closer locations to knee due to growth plate
20	Intraosseous (IO) Infusion
21	Intraosseous (IO) Infusion Procedure Same as peripheral IV Place leg on firm surface. Locate landmarks Grasp the thigh and knee. Do not place hand behind insertion site. Palpate landmarks and identify site of insertion. Clean site if time permits Procedure (contd) Insert needle at 90° angle. Apply pressure with firm twisting motion. Stop advancing once needle resistance is decreased Remove stylet. Inject saline. Check for resistance or soft tissue swelling. Connect infusion set Stabilize
22	Intraosseous (IO) Infusion Considerations Gravity flow of IV fluids will typically be ineffective. Use pressure bags if continuous infusion is required Fluid is best administered as a syringe bolus using an extension set or T-connector PROTECT YOUR IO SITE!
23	Potential Complications Sepsis (infection) Hematoma Cellulitis Thrombosis Phlebitis Catheter fragment embolism Infiltration Air embolism
24	Demonstration & Practice Questions?