Standards Procedure (Skill)
Clinical Indications: Levels: EMT-I & EMT-P
Ø Any patient where intravenous access is indicated (significant trauma or mechanism, emergent or potentially emergent condition)
Procedure:
a. Inspect the IV solution for expiration date, cloudiness, discoloration, leaks, or the presence of particles.
b. Connect the IV tubing to the solution in a sterile manner. Fill the drip chamber half full and then flush the tubing by bleeding all air bubbles from the line.
c. Place a tourniquet around the patient’s extremity to restrict venous flow only.
d. Select a vein and an appropriate gauge catheter for the vein and the patient’s condition.
e. Prep the selected site with an antiseptic solution.
f. Insert the needle with the bevel up into the skin in a steady, deliberate motion until the bloody flashback is visualized in the collection chamber of the catheter.
g. Advance the catheter into the vein. Never reinsert the needle through the catheter. Dispose of the needle into an appropriate container without recapping the needle.
h. Draw blood sample when appropriate.
i. Connect the IV tubing or prepares saline lock and remove the tourniquet.
j. Open the IV line to assure free flow of the fluid and then adjust the flow rate as per protocol or as clinically indicated.
k. Cover the site with a sterile dressing and secure the IV and tubing.
l. Label the IV with date, time, catheter gauge, and name of the person starting the IV.
m. Document the procedure, time, and results on the ACR.
Certification Requirements:
Successfully complete an annual skill evaluation including the indications, contraindications, technique, and possible complications of the procedure.