Knowlege and attitudes toward intraosseous access among emergency medical service practitioners in Poland
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: The administration of fluids, drugs and blood products is frequently indicated in patients suffering from serious injury or illness in the out-of-hospital emergency setting. Placement of a peripheral venous catheter may be challenging and several insertion attempts may delay intravenous therapy. Intraosseous access serves as a valuable alternative. However, this technique is rarely performed and knowledge of its use may not remain satisfactory in out-of-hospital Emergency Medical Service (EMS) personnel.
METHODS: A written invitation to participate in this questionnaire study was sent to all EMS providers in Poland. Participants were asked to answer an online questionnaire consisting of 10 questions about their knowledge, experience, and training of intraosseous devices. All answers were collected and processed anonymously.
RESULTS: 438 out of 550 Polish EMS providers with a median experience of 5 years completed the questionnaire. Although 88% confirmed that there is an intraosseous access device available in their ambulance, only 47% had previously performed the procedure. Moreover, 48% reported subjective psychological barriers to obtaining an intraosseous access and 37% reported that intraosseous access should not be performed on paediatric patients.
DISCUSSION: Intraosseous devices are widely available in many ambulances. Experience and knowledge regarding intraosseous access remains unsatisfactory among Polish EMS providers. Critical review of training and education curricula is therefore indicated.
Keywords: intraosseous accessemergency medicineEmergency Medical Service
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