They say the fastest way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, but as Pyng Medical Corporation likes to point out, not if the man is in cardiac arrest! Pyng is a Richmond, B.C. based life-sciences company whose mission is “Saving lives by saving time through innovation in resuscitation.” If the military medics and physicians I work with are right (and I think they are), Pyng is certainly living up to their goals and has become a routine lifesaver in Afghanistan and Iraq.
To quote the company’s website:
The FAST1® Intraosseous Infusion System is the fastest, most reliable and safe alternative to conventional intravenous and central lines. When every second counts, FAST1® offers lifesaving vascular access for fluid and drug infusion in shock and trauma victims. FAST1® Intraosseous Infusion System is the fastest route to get drugs to the heart — less than 30 seconds — and in higher concentrations than other IO options. With everything you need in a self-contained, lightweight package.
FAST1® is an innovative leap forward in resuscitation and critical patient care. The only sternal IO option available, FAST1® has been adopted by emergency medical services, hospitals and military medical units worldwide.Delivers drugs to the heart 2 – 3 times faster than tibial IO Fastest route to the heart of any vascular access device, including IV Precise placement, every time Automatic depth control for safety of delivery above the lungs and heart Simplicity of use Sterile, single-use product, completely disposable, with no risk of cross-contamination Soft, low-profile, flexible, secure tubing Sleek, lightweight design allows portability in medic’s packs
Of note, by accessing the IO route through the manubrium there is no interference with chest compressions during CPR.
Check out this video of medics practicing the technique (on each other):
Product page: FAST1® Intraosseous Infusion System
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