Current use of intraosseous infusion in Danish emergency departments

Background

We have evaluated the current use of intraosseous infusion (IOI) in Danish emergency departments. The use of IOI is recommended when intravenous access cannot be readily established in both paediatric and adult resuscitation.

Methods

Links to an online questionnaire were e-mailed to the Chief of Staff of the twenty emergency departments currently established in Denmark; non-responders were contacted by telephone. The questionnaire focused on the use of IOI in the emergency department including training, equipment, and attitudes.

Results

Overall response rate was 95% (n = 19). Of the responding Danish emergency departments 74% (n = 14) have intraosseous devices. Despite this 33% (n = 6) of the departments did not use intraosseous devices at all and in 68% (n = 13) it was used infrequently.

In 47% (n = 9) of the departments there had never been any training sessions in the use of intraosseous devices, and 42% (n = 8) did not have standard operating procedures on IOI. The indication for IOI use was often not clearly defined and only 11% (n = 2) consistently used IOI on relevant indication. This was a surprise since 95% (n = 18) of responders were aware that IOI can be used in both paediatric and adult resuscitation.

Conclusion

IOI is seldom performed in Danish emergency departments and few departments have established training in the procedure. We recommend teaching IOI technique to medical staff in Danish emergency departments.