Observation of Intraosseous Vascular Access in the Emergency Department

An Observational Study of Intraosseous Vascular Access Compared to Central Venous Catheters in the Emergency Department

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the use of powered intraosseous vascular access (EZ-IO by Vidacare) in the emergency department for patients requiring urgent vascular access. Data collected will be compared to historical data on central venous catheter use in the emergency department. The primary hypothesis is that powered intraosseous vascular access will decrease the amount of time needed to obtain vascular access.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients requiring vascular access who would otherwise receive a central venous catheter due to lack of other options.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Fracture in target bone, or significant trauma to the site
• Excessive tissue and/or absence of adequate anatomical landmarks in target bone
• Infection in target area
• IO insertion in past 24 hours, prosthetic limb or joint or other significant orthopedic procedure in target bone