[Role of intraosseous access in emergency]

As alternative for drug administration, the intraosseous access is an important option in emergency medicine. Plasma concentrations of drugs, safety and rapidity as well as rate of complications are comparable to the intravenous access. These findings are reflected in the recent resuscitation guidelines, which recommend intraosseous access as an alternative to intravenous access both in children and adults, considering the tracheal route as backup only if the other two options fail. Rescuers should learn safe techniques of establishing an intraosseous access. Equipment of rescue vehicles with adequate devices for children and adults should be considered standard.