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Combat Life Saver: Lesson 17 Initiate An Intravenous Infusion
Combat Life Saver: Lesson 17 Initiate An Intravenous Infusion
Lesson 17
INITIATE AN INTRAVENOUS
INFUSION
INTRODUCTION
☛ TASK
Initiate an intravenous infusion (I.V.).
☛ CONDITIONS
Given needed supplies and a simulated casualty.
☛ STANDARD
Score a GO on the performance checklist.
IDENTIFY SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF
HYPOVOLEMIC SHOCK
☛ Mental confusion.
● Ask casualty questions that cannot be answered by a simple
yes or no, such as, "What is your name? What is the
month? What day of the week is it? Where are we?"
☛ Restlessness and agitation.
☛ Irregular or fluctuating pulse in early stages, weak
and rapid pulse in later stages.
☛ Cool, clammy skin.
☛ Change in skin color (from normal to pale, bluish, or
grayish tint).
IDENTIFY SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF
HYPOVOLEMIC SHOCK
☛ Question:
● When would you not elevate the casualty's feet?
☛ Response:
● When the casualty has a suspected fracture of the thigh, leg,
or ankle (unless the fracture has already been splinted).
● When he has an open abdominal wound (casualty should be
placed in flexed-knee position instead).
● When he has an open chest wound (position casualty on
injured side).
● When he has an open head wound (have casualty sit up or
lie on side with wound away from ground).
PERFORM PRELIMINARY MEASURES TO
TREAT A CASUALTY FOR
HYPOVOLEMIC SHOCK
☛ Question:
● Why would you put on gloves before starting an I.V.?
☛ Response:
● It will reduce the chance of infection resulting from the I.V.
puncture.
☛ Question:
● What would you do if you were in the field and could not put
on gloves before starting the I.V.?
☛ Response:
● Start the I.V. anyway.
GATHER AND CHECK I.V. SUPPLIES
☛ Question:
● What could happen if you do not remove the air from the
tubing?
☛ Response:
● Air could be forced into the casualty's circulatory system.
The air bubble (air embolism) could cause the casualty's
heart to stop beating (cardiac arrest).
PREPARE THE I.V.
☛ Position the I.V. bag so fluid will flow from the bag,
through the drip chamber and tubing, and into the
casualty's vein.
● If possible, hold the bag up or hang it from a limb or other
object that is higher than the casualty's heart. Gravity will
cause the fluid to flow.
● If the bag cannot be hung or held, place the bag under
casualty's lower back. The pressure from the body will force
fluid out of the bag.
SECURE THE I.V.
☛ Question:
● What else can you do to control shock?
☛ Response:
● Cover the casualty with a blanket or poncho if the weather is
cool; shade casualty and remove excess clothing if it is hot.
Continue to monitor the casualty's respirations and pulse.
REMOVE THE CATHETER
CLOSING
CLOSING (cont)