ED technicians can successfully place ultrasound-guided intravenous catheters in patients with poor vascular access.

Objective: The objective of the study was to assess the success rate of emergency department (ED) technicians in placing ultrasound (US)-guided peripheral intravenous (i.v.) catheters.

Methods: In this prospective, observational trial, 19 ED technicians were taught to use US guidance to obtain i.v. access. Training sessions consisted of didactic instruction and hands-on practice. The ED technicians were then prospectively followed. The US guidance for i.v. access was limited to patients with difficult access. The primary outcome was successful peripheral i.v. placement.

Results: A total of 219 attempts were recorded, with a success rate of 78.5% (172/219). There was a significant correlation between operator experience and success rate. Complications were reported in 4.1% of patients and included 5 arterial punctures and 1 case of a transient paresthesia.

Conclusions: Emergency department technicians can be taught to successfully place US-guided IVs in patients with difficult venous access. Teaching this skill to ED technicians increases the pool of providers available in the ED to obtain access in this patient population.