NORTH COAST EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES Policy # 5320

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Subject: Medical Direction

Associated Policies: 01/15/98

1. Purpose:

1. To maintain an open route for the administration of intravenous fluid or medication when continuous infusion of intravenous solution is unnecessary.

2. Indications:

1. Any TKO line when fluid/ volume are not indicated.
2. Violent/ combative patient when IV line can be pulled easily

3. Contraindications:

1. Absolute:

1. Any emergency when fluid/ volume are indicated.

1. Relative:

1. None.

4. Equipment:

1. Appropriate intravenous catheter.
2. IV cap.
3. Tape or appropriate securing device.
4. Normal Saline flush.
5. 3 cc, 5 cc or 10 cc syringe.

5. Procedure:

1. Insert intravenous catheter , and attach IV cap.
2. Anchor with tape or appropriate securing device.
3. Cleanse IV cap port if indicated with alcohol swab.
4. Flush with at least 3 cc of Normal Saline.

1. After insertion of IV cap
2. After each medication

1. Intravenous fluid may be attached at any time to the IV cap
2. Attach an 18 or 20 Ga. 1" needle or IV adapter device to preferred IV tubing and solution.
3. Cleanse IV cap port with alcohol swab.
4. Insert securely into the center of the IV cap port, careful not to penetrate through IV cap into IV catheter.
5. Anchor with tape.