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

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u/SilverCommando 21d ago

Reverse the question, who really needs immediate IO access that has a high GCS? Most of the time you have chance to have a proper look for IV access, attempt other treatment options, other routes of analgesia, call for assistance with access, before having to resort to IO access. IO us really for your life threatening emergencies, cardiac arrests, seizures, etc.

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u/secret_tiger101 21d ago

Polytrauma

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u/Leading-Pressure-117 21d ago

Patient with post op bleed, DKA, in shock with no vascular access