• 💉 IO Lines Are Life-Saving in Extremis: IO access is fast, reliable, and can deliver nearly any resuscitative medication or fluid during cardiac arrest or hemorrhagic shock.
• 🧭 Location Matters for Flow. Sternal IO: 💨 Fastest (up to 500cc/5 min). Humerus IO: ⚡ Faster than tibia (300cc/5 min). Tibial IO: 🐢 Slower (200cc/5 min) but easier to place during CPR
• ⚠️ Watch for Contraindications: Avoid IO placement in bones with fractures, prior IO attempts, or compromised circulation proximal to the site.
• 🩸 Labs From IO = ❌: Labs drawn from IO lines are generally unreliable. Once stabilized, obtain bloodwork through IV access.
• 🎯 Stabilize or Lose It: IO dislodgement is common—always use a stabilizer or secure with gauze and tape if none is provided.
• 🧠 Don’t Forget Non-Trauma Uses: IO isn’t just for trauma—think about it in medical arrests, shocked pediatric patients, and patients with difficult IV access.

Click here for Direct Download of the Podcast.

• 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
• 00:07 First Encounter with Intraosseous Lines
• 01:09 Advantages of Intraosseous Lines
• 02:42 Intraosseous Lines in Pediatric Patients
• 03:34 Optimal Locations for Intraosseous Lines
• 06:17 Limitations and Considerations
• 07:34 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Welcome to the Rebel Core Content blog, your go-to source for core medical concepts applicable to practitioners anywhere, anytime. Today, we delve into the world of Intraosseous (IO) lines—a crucial tool in emergency medicine. Swami shares insights into the effectiveness and limitations of IO usage in diverse clinical scenarios.

The sicker the patient, the more likely an IO line is the right choice. In emergencies such as cardiac arrest or hemorrhagic shock, the speed and reliability of IO access outshine traditional intravenous (IV) or central line placements. There’s virtually no resuscitation medication or blood product that cannot be administered through an IO, making it indispensable in life-threatening situations.

• While proximal humerus site portents faster infusion rates than proximal tibia site, the main limitation of the proximal humerus site is that the arm must be held in internal rotation to avoid dislodgement of the IO
• Proximal tibia may be easier to landmark than proximal humerus
• Other sites include distal tibia, distal femur and sternum but are uncommonly employed in EDs

• Proximal Humerus IO
  • ~300cc over 5 minutes
  • Faster than tibia
  • May be harder to access in some trauma or positioning scenarios
•  Tibial IO
  • ~200cc over 5 minutes
  • Slower flow compared to humerus
  • Easier to access, especially during CPR or transport
•  Sternal IO
  • Up to 500cc over 5 minutes
  • Highest flow rate
  • Best for rapid volume resuscitation
  • Risk of dislodgement or interfering with CPR compressions

• Placing an IO in a bone with a proximal fracture, a previous IO placement attempt or any circulatory compromise proximal to the site is contraindicated
• Blood work drawn from an IO are generally not accurate, so once the patient has been resuscitated with the IO, intravenous blood draws are recommended
• Dislodgement is common; it is best to use the stabilizer that comes with the IO kit; if the kit does not have a stabilizer, stack lots of gauze on both sides of the IO needle and tape it down

Intraosseous lines are a powerful tool, particularly in acute resuscitation scenarios involving cardiac arrest or severe trauma. While they offer quick and effective access, Clinicians must remain vigilant about their limitations and be prepared to switch to more stable options as patients stabilize.

Post Peer Reviewed By: Marco Propersi, DO (Twitter/X: @Marco_propersi), and Mark Ramzy, DO (X: @MRamzyDO)

All Things REBEL EM

Welcome back to Episode 41 of REBEL Cast. In this ...

Welcome back to Episode 40 of REBEL Cast. We have ...

Background: Many providers and health care workers place oxygen on ...

Every few years we get updates in the guidelines based ...

Background: Welcome back to the September 2016 REBEL Cast. We ...

Background: In the ACLS guidelines stable Ventricular Tachycardia (VT) can ...

The post REBEL Core Cast 140.0: The Power and Limitations of Intraosseous Lines in Emergency Medicine appeared first on REBEL EM - Emergency Medicine Blog.