Comparison of two intraosseous infusion techniques in an EMT training program

OBJECTIVE: To compare placement of IO lines using a traditional method with placement using a new device called the bone injection gun (BIG). METHODS: A prospective cross-over study was conducted to compare the time to line placement and ease of insertion for both traditional (Jamshidi) and BIG methods. EMT-P students and practicing paramedics provided information about their previous experience with IO line placement. They were assigned to establish an IO line in a pediatric leg mannequin using each technique, and rated the ease-of-use of each method. RESULTS: Thirty-eight participants (28 EMT-P students and 10 paramedics) completed both of the IO skills. Only two (5%) had ever placed an IO line in a patient previously. Time to placement of the IO device was faster in the BIG group (16.91 sec. vs. 11.93 sec., p = 0.02). There was no statistical difference in ease-of-use ratings between the methods (p = 0.816). Student times for establishing the IO line with the BIG device were faster than the times of the practicing paramedics (11. 18 sec. vs. 16.25 sec., p = 0.049). CONCLUSIONS: In the education setting, times to establishment of an IO line were similar using both the traditional method of insertion and the BIG device. Ratings of both the students and paramedics were similar with respect to each-of-use for both the methods.