Join Aaron and Jason as they chat with Dennis, @thevascularguy, about the importance of IV access in EMS. They cover topics like ED and EMS relationships, selecting the best catheter, and breaking down information silos in healthcare. Dennis shares valuable insights on optimizing IV sizes and adapting to new techniques, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts among healthcare professionals.
Using the right catheter size is crucial for optimal treatment outcomes and patient well-being.
Ultrasound-guided visualization of veins aids in making informed decisions for catheter placement.
Continued education and evidence-based practices are vital for improving vascular access skills and patient care.
Deep dives
Considerations for IV Placement in EMS and Hospital Settings
In discussing the placement of IVs, the podcast delves into the perception that bigger catheters are always better, highlighting the importance of using the right catheter size for the right treatment for the specific patient at hand. It emphasizes that while larger catheters may be suitable for resuscitation cases requiring volume resuscitation, in other cases, especially when not resuscitating, smaller appropriate catheter sizes are more beneficial. The podcast stresses the significance of catheter-to-vein ratio, noting that using ultrasound to visualize veins is crucial for making optimal decisions.
Implications of Catheter and Vein Sizing for Treatment Efficiency
The episode explores the implications of catheter and vein sizing on treatment efficiency, focusing on factors such as the rate and amount of infusion required for treatments like colloid or crystalloid administration. It highlights that the appropriateness of catheter size, rather than just opting for bigger catheters, is vital, particularly in scenarios demanding high flow rates. Furthermore, it touches upon the importance of considering the impact of catheter size on vein preservation and reducing thrombosis risks.
Impact of IV Placement on Patient Care and Long-Term Consequences
The podcast sheds light on how IV placement decisions can impact patient care and long-term outcomes, emphasizing the significance of considering catheter-to-vein ratios and hemodilution for vein preservation. It discusses how even seemingly harmless infusions like normal saline can disrupt homeostasis and lead to catheter clotting. By underscoring the need to carefully assess catheter sizes, flow rates, and vein conditions, the episode advocates for critical thinking and tailored approaches to IV placement to ensure patient well-being.
Importance of Proper Catheter Size and Placement
Using the correct catheter size and ensuring proper placement is crucial to avoid complications like thrombosis and reduced blood flow. Placing a larger catheter than necessary can lead to thrombosis behind or at the tip of the catheter, hindering blood flow and causing potential medication leakage. Micro movements of improperly placed catheters can cause friction and endothelial injury, emphasizing the need for precise placement to minimize complications.
Significance of Follow-Up and Continuous Improvement in Vascular Access
Continued education and self-assessment in vascular access are essential for healthcare providers to enhance their skills and improve patient outcomes. Following up on previous procedures allows clinicians to evaluate the effectiveness of their interventions and make necessary adjustments. Emphasizing the importance of evidence-based practices over traditional beliefs, such as prioritizing bigger catheters, encourages a shift towards patient-centered care and optimal vascular access management.
In this episode of PragChat, Aaron and Jason sit down with @thevascularguy and discuss IV's. Dennis is an interventional vascular access RN and comes to the show with a wealth of valuable information concerning IV access. We discuss a variety of topics that include ED and EMS relationships, why IV's are important, selecting the best catheter, and other topics.
We had a blast talking with Dennis and this is only Part 1 since we barely touched on all the topics we wanted to chat with him about. We know he is a RN but he is a friend to EMS and if you want to better your patient care, check this episode out and start with improving how you gain access to your patients.
Thanks to Dennis for taking time out of his busy schedule to talk with us and if you’re not following him, check out his Instagram and TikTok. Also check out his Twitter and YouTube page that has videos on how different ways to obtain vascular access.
