• Nicolas Gazin, Harold Auger, Patricia Jabre, Christine Jaulin, Eric Lecarpentier, Catherine Bertrand, Alain Margenet, and Xavier Combes.
• Service d'Anesthésie Réanimation and SAMU 94, CHU H Mondor (AP-HP), 94000 Créteil, France.
• Resuscitation. 2011 Jan 1;82(1):126-9.

ObjectiveIntraosseous access is a rapid and safe alternative when peripheral vascular access is difficult. Our aim was to assess the safety and efficacy of a semi-automatic intraosseous infusion device (EZ-IO) when using a management algorithm for difficult vascular access in an out-of-hospital setting.MethodsThis was a one-year prospective, observational study by mobile intensive care units. After staff training in the use of the EZ-IO device and provision of a management algorithm for difficult vascular access, all vehicles were equipped with the device. We determined device success rate and ease of use, resuscitation fluid volume and drugs administered by the intraosseous route, and complications at insertion site.ResultsA total of 4666 patients required vascular access. The EZ-IO device was used in 30 cardiac arrest patients (25 adults; 5 children) and 9 adults with spontaneous cardiac activity. The success rate for first insertion was 84%. Overall success rate (max. 2 attempts) was 97%. The device was used for fluid resuscitation in 16 patients (mean volume: 680ml), adrenaline administration in 24 patients, and rapid sequence induction in 2 patients. There was only one local complication (transient local inflammation).ConclusionsOn implementation of an algorithm for the management of difficult vascular access, the EZ-IO device proved safe and highly effective in both adult and paediatric patients in an out-of-hospital emergency setting. It is a suitable device for consideration as a first-line option for difficult vascular access in this setting.Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

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