The Exchange

💡 Did You Know?

FAST1 - First Access for Shock and Trauma, a spring loaded device that is used on the sternum to allow for quick access to the vascular system for the purpose of an intraosseous infusion, the FAST1 is a newer tool that is used by Air Force & Army combat medics and Navy corpsman. An intraosseous infusion is the process of injecting fluids and medications directly into the bone marrow, which provides direct access to the vascular system. Intraosseous infusions are used when a standard intravenous access is not practical, like an emergency situation where the patient cannot wait for a proper vein to be located and accessed. Intraosseous infusions are particularly useful for combat medics, as it can be difficult and time consuming to access a vein, especially in a combat situation, plus heavy blood loss and cause a massive drop in blood pressure making finding and accessing a vein next to impossible. Devices such as the FAST1 allow medics, and those with only basic first aid training, to be able to rapidly and easily administer fluids and medications until the patient is stabilized and moved to a safe area where a proper IV can be inserted. Intraosseous infusions should only be done in extreme cases where IV access isn't practical as inserting needles into bone marrow can cause serious complications, as it requires a lot of force and can cause bone fractures and bone and tissue damage if the needle breaks off inside.