Quote:
Originally Posted by HHI944
Ummm, I'm much more comfortable with giving fluids IV. I try to refrain from sticking things up unconscious peoples butts.........
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Giving fluids intravenously is the best way but it's not something I would not recommend doing unless you had proper training. Just inserting the cannula in place is difficult enough.
Even a registered nurse would not feel comfortable about doing this without doctors orders.
Note the plastic tubing (cannula) outside of the steel needle. The steel needle is withdrawn once inserted leaving the plastic cannula in place. Imagine doing this in a not so clean or ideal environment. Stress doesn't help either.
EDIT: The steel needle is partially withdrawn in this photo. Normally the steel needle protrudes past the plastic (usually Teflon) cannula.
The steel needle is used to penetrate the skin and side of the vein your trying to get into. Once in you push the plastic cannula in place then fully withdraw the needle and insert the plastic tubing from the saline bag.
Once this is done then you need to dress the area and immobilize the arm, or wrist. Then you need to regulate the flow of fluid and monitor the casualties vital signs, blood pressure and pulse. And adjust the flow accordingly.
All of this is easy for a doctor, RN or a trained medic. It's not something to be attempted by a person with advanced first aid training only IMHO.