redcrossemt
Forum Asst. Chief
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Our protocols call for diazepam IV in the case of seizures. If IV access is not available, we can give rectally.
I had a patient this past week who was actively seizing upon our arrival, and had been for 20+ minutes. The patient had limited perhiperal IV access. I had no luck despite three attempts. I thought EJ access would be risky due to the way in which the patient was convulsing.
I was ready to go to our second route, of rectal administration. Unfortunately, the patient's anus was sewn shut.
I contacted med control and they ordered 10mg IM. I had been told before that diazepam causes necrosis and not to give it IM. It's not in our protocols either.
I'm wondering if IM diazepam is used regularly? Is it an acceptable route if IV/rectal routes are not available? I looked it up and most prescribing references do list IM as an administration route, so I assume it's common practice and someone just told me wrong.
I had a patient this past week who was actively seizing upon our arrival, and had been for 20+ minutes. The patient had limited perhiperal IV access. I had no luck despite three attempts. I thought EJ access would be risky due to the way in which the patient was convulsing.
I was ready to go to our second route, of rectal administration. Unfortunately, the patient's anus was sewn shut.
I contacted med control and they ordered 10mg IM. I had been told before that diazepam causes necrosis and not to give it IM. It's not in our protocols either.
I'm wondering if IM diazepam is used regularly? Is it an acceptable route if IV/rectal routes are not available? I looked it up and most prescribing references do list IM as an administration route, so I assume it's common practice and someone just told me wrong.