Summary: | An intraosseous infusion (IO) is a safe and simple method to administer fluid in an emergency situation and can be used to gain rapid vascular access in a critically ill child. Fluids and drugs can be infused as well as blood boluses, but very few cases describe the infusion of blood products.
Case Report: In this case study we report of a successful transfusion of fluid and blood by IO to a 31 months old child, who had suffered severe epistaxis for 12 hours. The child was unconscious at time of admission and the hemoglobin (Hb) level was measured to 3.6 g/dl. Through an IO in the proximal tibia, 300 ml of fluid was first infused, followed by 200 ml of blood.
Discussion: We conclude that IO should be placed without delay when venous access is not rapidly obtained.
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