IV Protocols

[fyrmedik]

I am just wondering what some other IV protocols are. Here, pretty much everyone gets an IV started, but we only hang IV fluid in certain situations, otherwise, we utilize Saline Locks.This is going to change in the near future, but what do other systems do?

[benson911]

Ok - we start an IV if they need fluid, may need fluid, to give a drug or in case they may need a drug. That's it - keep it simple. We don't start IV's unless the pt needs them - why create another hole and risk infection when the pt doesn't need it?

[DemonMedic]

Pretty much ditto here. We start lines on anyone who is potentially going to need it. Fluid, meds, etc. Even if we know that we are probably not going to give anything through it, but the hospital potentially will, we usually start one. We do a lot of saline locks as well, but that is medic preference. If the patient needs fluid then a line, if it is routine O2 Mon IV, then usually lock. A lock has less chance of getting pulled, don't have to wory about a run away IV, etc. We really don't have a protocol per se...just if the patient needs it.

Hope this helps,
Damian Rickard
NREMT-P

[Romania]

It really is up to the medic of record here. Some hospitals like lines in every patient we bring in "ALS", but elsewhere it becomes a decision for the medic. I like "Saline-locks" but rarly get the chance to stock them. I really like (as do the ER staff) adding a 6" extension to the end of my tubing on medical patients where I have time...this allows changing out of the tubing easier. This is really great for med-lines.

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Alan Romania, CEP
romania@uswest.net
IAFF Local 3449

My Opinions do not reflect the opnions of the IAFF or Local 3449.