MILFORD - Pike County Advanced Life Support recently purchased several EZ-IO Intraosseous (IO) Infusion Systems. These systems will allow Pike County ALS paramedics to quickly establish stable and secure vascular access if they are unable to obtain Intravenous (IV) access by drilling into a patient’s bone. The cost of this project was approximately $6,000 and was funded through a grant from the NiSource Charitable Foundation.

These devices will allow Pike County ALS paramedics to obtain vascular access to the central circulation of a patient within seconds, delivering medications and intravenous fluids to adult and pediatric patients alike. With a specially designed cutting IO needle and small power driver, the EZ-IO allows the paramedic complete control — avoiding the use of force. EZ-IO provides rapid, smooth entry into the bone’s medullary cavity, creating an immediate conduit to the central circulation.

Intraosseous access is ideal for patients who have poor peripheral vasculature such as diabetics, renal or dialysis patients, burn victims, obese patients, intravenous drug users, and others for whom vascular access can be challenging — especially in the back of a moving ambulance.

Pike County ALS will now use EZ-IO as its first line solution for vascular access in cardiac arrest and resuscitation scenarios, enabling critical medications and fluids to be given very early in resuscitative efforts. Recent research suggests early intervention in resuscitation can substantially improve patient outcomes.

Pike County ALS in a non-profit organization that provides emergency medical services 24/7 to the residents and visitors of Pike and Wayne Counties. Donations can be sent to P.O. Box 384, Dingmans Ferry, PA 18328.