POKIE: Prospective Observational study of the cannulation of Kids in the Emergency.
Quick facts
Inserting a cannula (plastic tube) into a child's vein is a common procedure performed in the Emergency Department. This can be challenging and can cause considerable distress for the child and caregiver. The use of ultrasound is well established for guiding cannulas into veins of adults who are recognised as having difficult access. However, it is less commonly used in children for this purpose. By conducting this trial, we aim to identify factors that influence the success of cannula insertion into veins of children, particularly the early identification of patients with potentially difficult access, and any factors that influence the longevity of cannulas.