USE OF INTRAOSSEOUS ACCESS IN PEDIATRIC EMERGENCY CARE IN GEORGIA

Area of Science:

• Emergency Medicine
• Pediatric Critical Care
• Vascular Access Techniques

Background:

• Intraosseous (IO) access is crucial in emergencies when peripheral venous access is impossible.
• Its application in pediatric emergency settings is well-established internationally.
• IO access has not been previously utilized in Georgia, particularly for pediatric emergencies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility and safety of introducing Intraosseous (IO) access in pediatric emergency care in Georgia.
• To evaluate the outcomes of IO access compared to central venous access in pediatric patients.
• To determine the effectiveness of specialized training for medical personnel in performing IO procedures.

Main Methods:

• A quasi-experimental study design was employed.
• Data collected from 24 patients receiving IO access and 40 patients receiving central venous access.
• Medical personnel underwent pre- and post-training assessments to evaluate competency.

Main Results:

• The study monitored and reported various patient parameters for both access methods.
• Outcomes for patients receiving IO access were compared to those receiving central venous access.
• Analysis indicated that IO access can be safely performed in Georgian healthcare settings with appropriate training.

Conclusions:

• Intraosseous (IO) access is a safe and viable emergency procedure for pediatric patients in Georgia.
• Implementation requires standardized training protocols for healthcare professionals.
• The study recommends incorporating IO access into Georgian pediatric emergency management guidelines.