Athletic Trainers' Ability to Establish Peripheral Intravenous Access

Abstract

Certified athletic trainers (AT) are usually the first to respond to an athletic emergency heat illness (EHI) and are expected to provide prehospital care. The goal of this study was to investigate the percentage of athletic trainers who could successfully place an intravenous (IV) line and retain the skill for 30 days. Fifteen ATs received an educational training on how to place an IV from a nationally registered paramedic (NR-P) Those ATs who were successful in administering an IV were asked to report 30 days later for follow-up. Data were analyzed to compare IV placement success rates, confidence levels before and after each attempt, and ATs perceived value in the newly learned skill. The concept of ATs’ success in IV placement will need additional study to help develop athletic training educational curricula and modify any prehospital care standards if necessary.