[Sustainable use of IV bags: lessons from the IV bag crisis]

Medication substantially contributes to global CO₂ emission of healthcare. IV bags and associated materials are an important source of pollution. During the IV bag crisis, caused by the closure of a factory in the US due to Hurricane Helena, emergency measures were implemented to reduce IV bag use. These measures addressed the acute problem and created an opportunity for more sustainable use of IV bags and medication. We discuss four measures to achieve sustainable reduction in usage of IV bags: (1) switching from intravenous to oral medication administration where possible, (2) optimizing intravenous administration through bolus injection or injection port, (3) extending the administration time of unmanipulated IV bags to a maximum of 7 days, and (4) reducing flow rates to 2 ml/h for maintenance of venous access. These measures reduce waste, CO₂ emissions, and costs without compromising patient safety. Environmental sustainability in healthcare requires ongoing awareness and multidisciplinary collaboration.