In the previous articles, we talked about the indications, contraindications, use, landmarking, insertion and maintenance of the EZ-IO vascular access system. In this final installment, we will cover insertion in the pediatric patient, pain control and removal of the device. As stated earlier, this device like all other medical devices, has limitations. No medical device fits [...]
In parts 1 and 2 of this series, we have outlined the indications, contraindications, medications that can be infused through and IO, needle size selection and driver characteristics. Now lets unpack how to landmark for EZ-IO insertion. As stated in Part 2, the ends of long bones contain a large amount of red blood cells (RBC) [...]
While many may view HEMS organizations as a specialty unto itself many programs have true specialized teams for certain populations. One can think of HEMS providers as a jack of all trades but generally a master of none. We care for all patient populations a health system can see, from the earliest of premature babies [...]
Anyone who has driven an emergency vehicle with lights and sirens knows that it can be fun, it gets your adrenaline bumping, and a lot of us become giddy, like a kid in a candy store. But with some of us, it activates our innate road rage tenancies. Other than the obvious, it’s fun and [...]
When it comes to working as a first responder, EMT, Paramedic, firefighter, or something else, how do you feel about your personal level of fitness? Do you feel like you are physically and mentally ready for whatever the job throws at you, or do you think there is room for improvement? I think for most [...]
As a first responder, we have a duty to the public. If someone calls 911 for any reason, we have a duty to help them whether it’s a medical emergency, trauma, psychiatric issue, or something else. We have a duty to help achieve the best possible outcome. However, just helping when they ask for help, [...]
In part one of this series we talked about the indications, contraindications, MRI conditional compatibility and what medications can be administered via an intraosseous route. Today we will further unpack the specific needle sizes, driver options, usage and potential anatomic sites for insertion using the EZ-IO system. As stated earlier, intraosseous access should be reserved [...]
For years, intraosseous (IO) access has been considered the “hail mary, last ditch effort” of vascular access. The procedure was often only utilized after all other repeated intravenous (IV) attempts had proven unsuccessful. What if intraosseous access could be utilized earlier? What if we could prevent the dynamic downward spiral that often accompanies multiple unsuccessful [...]
Were you ever told not to give Ketamine to your head injury patients, hypertensive patients, increased intracranial pressure (ICP) patients? I was taught that. “Early studies suggested that ketamine could increase intracranial pressure, decreasing cerebral perfusion pressure and thereby reducing oxygen supply to the damaged cerebral cortex.” (NIH, 2022). There have been 11 recent studies [...]
