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32.0 IV/IO Access

All Providers

  • Universal Patient Assessment Protocol
  • Indications for IV Access
    • Patient requires IV fluids and/or medications
    • Patient may become unstable enroute or at the Emergency Department
    • Patient may require blood laboratory urgently
Key Considerations
  • Review provider orders for IV solution, additives, and rate
  • Parameters for discontinuing IV
  • Apply cardiac monitor to all patients receiving IV fluids
  • Inspect IV site every 10 minutes for infiltration, bleeding, or erythema
    • DC IV fluids if present
  • DC IV if signs or symptoms of fluid overload: rales/hypoxia

Adult

EMT
  • Monitor Only: Crystalloid fluid only, NO additives
AEMT
  • IO Access Indications
    • Severe illness or injury requiring immediate fluid or drug administration IO may be considered prior to peripheral IV attempts
Paramedic
  • IO Lidocaine prior to administration of fluids/medications in the conscious/alert patient
  • DC IV containing POTASSIUM if signs/symptoms of hyperkalemia:
    • ventricular fibrillation
    • peaked T waves on ECG

Pediatric
not to exceed adult dose

EMT
  • Monitor Only: Crystalloid fluid only, NO additives
AEMT
  • IO Access Indications
    • Severe illness or injury requiring immediate fluid or drug administration IO may be considered prior to peripheral IV attempts
Paramedic
  • IO Lidocaine prior to administration of fluids/medications in the conscious/alert patient
  • DC IV containing POTASSIUM if signs/symptoms of hyperkalemia:
    • ventricular fibrillation
    • peaked T waves on ECG