Intraosseous infusion: a re-discovered procedure as an alternative for pediatric vascular access

The intraosseous infusion has numerous advantages over other techniques that provide vascular access during emergencies. It is a rapid and safe alternate route for fluid and certain drug administration in the infant or child. Few contra-indications or restrictions exist and the success rate for the technique is very high, even when performed by paramedical personnel, and the rate of complications is very low. At this time the technique should be reserved for children in crisis such as cardiac arrest, shock, trauma, life threatening status epilepticus, or any situation in which the potential benefit of rapid venous access outweighs the low incidence of complication. Intraosseous infusion is intended only for emergency resuscitation and stabilization, after which another route of vascular access should be sought. The technique may offer even more promise for those who rarely care for critically ill children, because this skill is easily mastered with even limited opportunity for practice.