A Retrospective Analysis of the Peripheral Intravenous Access Rates that Emergency Medical Services Obtained for Pediatric Patients.

Abstract

The principal method for administering drugs is still peripheral intravenous (IV) access, a basic pre-hospital operation carried out by emergency medical services (EMS) staff. Out-of-hospital pediatric IV cannulation is frequently difficult. The purpose of this study was to assess how frequently EMS personnel set up peripheral intravenous access for pediatric patients in pre-hospital settings. 6331 records of emergency medical services (EMS) dispatches involving individuals under the age of eighteen were examined in this retrospective analysis. An evaluation of the cannulation rate based on the patient's age, case characteristics, diagnosis (International Classification of Diseases), and need for hospital transport was part of the study procedure.

Conclusions: Children under one year old had the lowest rates of peripheral intravenous access in establishment in pre-hospital settings, with a generally low prevalence among pediatric patients. The risk factors for cannulation were age, trauma, poisoning, and referral to HEMS teams. To assist EMS staff in managing vascular access in critically sick children, evidence-based algorithms and focused training are crucial.