Neat IV Setup Tip

Just read that last night. I will have to give it a try on Saturday when I'm back on to give it a try.
 
I learned this 10 years ago. It's the only way I have EVER spiked a bag. I didn't think there was any other way.
 
This is how I've always done it.....
 
I've just recently begun my 'I' class - this will be great to know & adopt from the get-go!
 
We have med ports along the tubing, so it would be impossible to pass it with the flow meter.
 
RESQ_5_1 said:
I learned this 10 years ago. It's the only way I have EVER spiked a bag. I didn't think there was any other way.
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For real. Anyone who was not taught this from the get-go should seriously consider the distinct possibility that their school and instructors are tres' lame. It's a sad commentary on the state of EMS education that Thom should even have to write this article.
 
I just checked Bledsoe's Paramedic Care Principals & Practice third edition and Mosby's Paramedic Textbook edition and neither of these books illustrate or document spiking an IV in this manner.

After 30 plus years in this business, I have to admit this is the first time I ever saw this procedure.
 
I didn't learn it in medic school, I learned it from an advanced EMT in the very first position I worked as a Basic. I can't remember if it was brought up in medic school at all or not.

Another trick I was taught was to spike the bag 1/2 way, pull out the spike, squeeze the air out and then insert the spike in all the way. This way if your bag ran out you wouldn't suck air into the tubing. I don't use that very often mostly because I keep a pretty close eye on my IV bag and I'm usually not giving that much fluid. However, I will use it on traumas and codes where crap is hitting the fan and I know I'm going to be spinning a little bit.
 
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