In medical emergencies, intravenous infusion (IV therapy) is a fast and effective treatment method, but it is often ignored. Intravenous infusion technology rapidly distributes fluids, medications, and nutrients throughout the body by injecting them directly into the body, a speed that is critical in many emergency situations. Whether you are dealing with dehydration, administering medication, or providing nutrition, intravenous fluids are an essential technology.
Intravenous infusion is the most direct and reliable method in emergency situations because it can deliver substances to the body where it is needed within a few minutes.
The history of intravenous infusion can be traced back to the 1400s, and initial attempts were relatively primitive, but it was not until the 1900s, with the development of related technologies, that this method gradually became widely recognized. The characteristic of intravenous infusion is that it can enter the circulatory system immediately, which makes the immediate effect of treatment very important.
The multiple medical uses of intravenous infusion make it one of the first choices for first aid. Here are a few major medical applications:
Intravenous fluids are often used to replace lost fluids. Common liquid solutions include crystalloids and colloids, which can enter directly into the bloodstream and quickly improve the patient's condition.
Intravenous infusion is also widely used for drug delivery because it can quickly and effectively deliver drugs into the bloodstream. This is critical for situations that require immediate response, such as hypertensive emergencies or conditions such as cardiac arrhythmia.
For patients who are unable to eat due to illness, intravenous infusion can provide complete nutrition, which is called intravenous nutrition (Total Parenteral Nutrition, TPN). This approach ensures the patient receives adequate nutrition to support recovery.
The rapid immediacy of intravenous infusion makes it an irreplaceable option in emergency situations.
Intravenous infusion can be divided into many types according to different needs. These types determine how to optimize the treatment effect:
This is a way of pushing medicine quickly into a vein, giving fast and immediate results.
Using a continuous infusion method can maintain the drug concentration in the plasma throughout the course of treatment.
When needed, secondary infusions can be easily administered through the primary infusion line, reducing challenges to the same vein.
Although intravenous infusions have many advantages, there are also potential risks. The choice of route, insertion technique, and its management can all lead to infection, phlebitis, or other complications. Healthcare workers must remain highly alert to these risks to reduce unnecessary illness.
Proper technique and ongoing monitoring are keys to reducing the risks associated with intravenous infusions.
In some situations, intravenous fluids need to be used with caution. For example, the use of intravenous hydration in athletes may violate doping regulations, and in some cultures, the use of intravenous fluids for non-medical energy supplements has also raised ethical concerns. Therefore, relevant laws, regulations and ethical issues need to be considered during medical treatment to ensure safety and legality.
As a fast and effective medical method, intravenous infusion plays an important role in first aid. Whether for hydration, drug delivery, or nutrition, its applications are limited to medical settings. For health professionals, mastering intravenous infusion technology is not only a professional requirement, but also a reflection of responsibility for patients. Therefore, when facing future medical challenges, can we make better use of intravenous infusion technology to improve the quality of first aid in all aspects?