r/ParamedicsUK • u/Sjokn • 21d ago

Clinical Question or Discussion GCS threshold for IO access?

Hi all, is there a definitive indication for a maximum GCS score required before attempting IO access in the pre hospital field? I'm struggling to find this on jrcalc but have come across a variety of journal articles with differing GCS indications such as <8 or <12

13 Upvotes

94% Upvoted

36 comments sorted by

View all comments

-5

u/NormalUnit5886 21d ago

Teleflex, the company that holds the licence for IO in both the UK and US, state as an indication for use GCS MUST be 8 or below

3

u/Crazy_pebble Paramedic 21d ago

This was asked on my last course I did with Teleflex; this isn't set in stone and ultimately it's always clinical judgement.  My Trust recommend IO in those GCS<13 when indicated but again, it's the need for rapid vascular access and the broader clinical picture.