Ready-to-use devices for intraosseous injections (BIG) in the practice of Emergency Medical Teams in the city and county of Poznań – Primary survey

IntroductionIntraosseous (i.o.) access using a bone injection gun (BIG) is an efficient alternative to intravenous access, ensuring rapid infusion of fluids and medications. Intraosseous access is achieved through a ready-to-use BIG device allows for the delivery of fluids at flow rates up to 125 mL/min, and for performing basic laboratory tests.AimThe aim of this paper was to assess the knowledge of and scope of application for ready-to-use BIG devices among the members of Emergency Medical Teams from the District Emergency Station in the city and county of Poznań.Material and methodsThe survey was carried out in March and April 2013. Survey results were analyzed using Statistica 10.0 software, Polish version (analysis of statistical significance with the χ2 test and χ2 test incorporating Yates’ correction at α = 0.05).ResultsRespondents had positive results regarding the use of BIG devices, which they had acquired during a number of specialist courses.DiscussionDespite this fact, BIG devices are rarely used during rescue operations in the city and county of Poznań, Poland and most frequently used in situations when achieving intravenous access is impossible within times shorter than 1 minute.ConclusionsThe results also confirmed that BIG devices are available in operations carried out by the ambulance Emergency Medical Service.