USE OF INTRAOSSEOUS ACCESS IN PEDIATRIC EMERGENCY CARE IN GEORGIA

Intraosseous Access (IO) has obtained an increasingly valued place in emergency medical care cases when peripheral access venous access in not possible. This has also been demonstrated in pediatric settings. The method though has never been applied in Georgia, let alone pediatric emergencies. Therefor we conducted the study to access opportunities for IO use introduction in pediatric emergency care in Georgia. A quasi experimental study was conducted with 24 patients undergoing IO and further 40 receiving central venous access for their condition management. A number of parameters were monitored and reported. Additionally, a pre- and post-test was used to assess the specially trained medical personnel. The study groups outcomes were described, while personal assessment was analyzed. The study demonstrates that with proper training and in certain indications, the internationally approved method can be safely used in Georgian healthcare settings, including pediatric emergency management. The method should be included into the Georgian patient management guidelines, provided proper training is delivered to the personnel.