Tibial intraosseous (IO) infusion is used successfully in resuscitation of critically ill children but is considered less effective in adults. The sternum may be a . . .
Tibial intraosseous (IO) infusion is used successfully in resuscitation of critically ill children but is considered less effective in adults. The sternum may be a better site in adults because it is large and flat, contains a high proportion of vascular red marrow, is less likely to be fractured, and is closer to the central circulation. In this study, a new system of IO infusion into the adult sternum, called the First Access for Shock and Trauma (F.A.S.T.) 1, was evaluated in 50 consecutive patients aged 14 to 84 years at 6 EDs and 5 EMS sites in Canada and the U.S.
With F.A.S.T. 1, a handheld introducer is used to insert a flexible infusion tube with a stainless-steel tip to a predetermined depth in the sternal manubrium. Fluids and drug…