Is this the missed question? And for IVs? I mostly use my thumb and middle finger, with the bugger right in between doing the manual work. I also use a nice, shallow angle most of the time.
I'm too lazy to find a good picture, but this is the first one that came up:
Apologies for missing that question; while I don't fully agree with the state of Montana, I didn't mean to skip what you said. Also, I still stand behind the "practice" suggestion, especially since you won't have many patient contacts.
We tried this out the first time the other night. I would reccomend making sure you understand how the equipment works before you begin. I know it sounds basic, but it helps.
Other than that practice. I was able to get most of the lines I started, missed one. Learned how to set up fluids, take blood samples (which I assume no hospitals will ever want from me)
I also got stuck 6 or so times and had a few get pretty messed up. Lots of blood and some big bruises. Made me more careful on other people!
Overall practice practice practice. And more importantly understand why you are starting an IV when you do. h34r:
h34r: