Protecta-Caths

[Beagle1]

My local hospital which provides our EMS supplies recently switched over to Protecta-Caths, my initial usage of these devices proved that they are a bit harder to use then normal Angios.
I was wondering if there are any hints out there for using these things

[Stephen Raclaw]

Not really, we learned to use them in my EMT-I class and we had trouble with them. We blew alot of sticks because of them and decided that when we go on-line with our EMT-I program we will but the angiocath type.

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FF Stephen Raclaw
Town of Brookfiled WI
ibpainen1@aol.com

[Mike]

I had been doing IV's for about 7 years when we made the switch. About the only thing I can suggest is to get an IV arm and a bunch of caths and practice, practice. I like them better now (No needle sticks). Once you get used to them, they're OK.

[This message has been edited by Mike (edited 12-29-98).]

[mako]

When we (Miami, Fl. FD) first got the "protected-caths" I hated them. There were too many steps to try and master. Now that we've had them for a few years, I wonder why we didn't get them sooner! The other day I pulled out an "old-style" IV cath (must've been hidden in the back of the tray!) and I was very nervous about using it! I got the IV, but I always make sure I've got a "protected cath" now! Once you get used to them, you'll wonder how you did without them!

[jmwelch]

Our hospital switched several yeaars ago and as you can imagine our ALS dept. didn't approve. With time and just a little change in technique you will master the protect-caths. Use the sides of the cath for inserting the IV, it really does help.

[KBrack]

Try this. Hold the protecta-cath with your thumb and middle finger. Use your index finger to slide the cath while retracting the needle with your thumb and middle finger. Practice makes perfect. I think you'll like this method.Let me know, Good Luck.