Intraosseous Versus Intravenous Vascular Access During Cardiac Arrest

The objective of this study will be to compare humeral and tibial IO needle insertions to peripheral IV access during cardiac arrest. Hypothesis There is a difference in first attempt success of tibial IOs compared to humeral IOs or peripheral IV among cardiac arrest patients. This was a randomized trial of adult patients experiencing a medical OOHCA where resuscitation efforts were initiated. Patients were randomized to 1 of 3 routes of vascular access. Prior to every shift, paramedics were distributed a randomly selected note card indicating the prescribed route for vascular access: tibial IO, humeral IO, or peripheral IV. The selected method applied to the first attempt at vascular access only. Paramedics received intensive training and exposure to all three methods prior to study initiation. The primary outcome was first attempt success defined as secure needle position in the marrow cavity or a peripheral vein with normal fluid flow. Needle dislodgement during resuscitation was counted as a failure to maintain vascular access. In order to detect a statistical difference in the frequency of first attempt success a minimum of 50 patients for each arm of the study were needed.