How to Start an IV - Live Demo

This video takes you through the steps to start an intravenous catheter (IV). IVs are a common medical procedure that allow healthcare providers to administer medications directly into the vein.

*Disclaimer: this video is not medical training and is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. Only perform an IV if you are trained and authorized to do so. Always follow local, state and national laws and standards.*

00:00 Intro
00:10 Background
00:44 Supplies
02:52 Anatomy of an IV catheter
05:58 Live IV Start
14:45 Taking an IV out

[cade]

Was hoping this would be an April fools video where you missed the vein like 5 times and gave up, but then said “well you get the idea” and just ended the video 😂

[Beetmonster]

FORTUNATELY I have over ten years clean today, but watching this video made me laugh at several points. I became an IV expert without any formal education. I wish I could've watched this video in my using days, rather than learning from trial & error. 🤣

[topazsmith]

From a RN of 20 years this is the best video I have seen for an IV start.

[pilot]

Once Again Thanks Brian For Being a Champ and Teaching Medical Prof. for Years to Come!

[gerard]

Im a nurse. The trick is apply the tourniquet to let the blood pool up and inflate the vein. Rubbing with alcohol pad not only helps plump the vein but the glare from the alcohol moisture lets you see the bump much better. Be very precise on where to poke and line up the needle on top of the vein. Poke shallow initially and advance slowly. Once there’s continuous blood return, stop advancing, angle the needle shallower then advance needle about 2mm, then advance the catheter then remove the needle. Others insert the entire needle but its unnecessary as the needle can poke out of the vein.

[dansunsomeil]

I just got into nursing school and from what I’ve heard most nursing programs are seriously lacking in IV training, which is making me nervous. This was super helpful!

[HW-fjip]

I would suggest that before you flush the saline, to instead draw back. the blood return is the confirmation that's in, not the easy flush forward. Thank you for the demo.

[davidhottenstine]

As a retired Combat Medic and Cetified Instructor, I think you did an excellent job!

[Drxygn]

Also about the last part of removing the IV - Make sure to apply pressure to the gauze for atleast 30-60 seconds. Especially in older patients with blood thinners this may get very messy.

[michaelmcdonald]

I am enjoying your videos. I was a paramedic in 1975. I was trained by Vietnam medics. They ruled! We did different techniques back them from pushing bicarb, rotating tourniquets for left vetricular heart failure. And trauma trousers. Emergency was my favorite show lol. I am sure old protocols can still work. Even using an old Robert Shaw demand valve. lol

[Nate-]

I like this Live demo thing you got going. Whatever your paying Brian it's not enough. Maybe in the Next episode - "Starting an EZ-IO on a live patient" or Live Cricothyrotomy on Brian" . LOL. Good job 👏

[lmtf]

Interesting!
I like how it's a bit different in US and Europe too - here, we mostly use what I like to call "Braun-pattern" or "winged" IVs (without that extra tube necessary, and with two little wings on each side). The technique is the same, but the IV is secured by a special non-transparent adhesive dressing that kinda looks like pants. (that's why we call it "iv pants"- a plaster with a cutout halfway through, when you put it over the IV, each "pant" secures it's side of little wing)
The fluids and meds are injected directly into the IV, which is covered with a luer-lock screw cap. Green (18G) size is also regarded as most universal, since it has both the high flow rate, and can also be used for plasma transfusion if necessary.

[leahtrombley]

Best video IV watched on how to start an IV, and I’ve seen quite a few. Bravo!

[nicholas]

5 year FMF Corpsman. Havnt done it in several years. Never assume your skills are non perishable. I also might anchor that second strip of tape not on top of the first strip of tape as Iv seen a snag pull on the first spot creating a possible issue in the flow or un necessary discomfort. Personal preference.

[BioHazHuman]

I love having information like this on Youtube. Just helps to know.

[HostileTakeover]

Excellent demo and explanation. Thank you.

[jamesa]

Great video sir and well done to your friend for his participation in making these "how to" videos. ✝️🇺🇸👍

[RMSVA]

This is such an upgrade from your previous video! Thank you for posting!

[damascuscervantes]

Hey man. I'm in EMT advanced school right now and have been struggling to get I.V.'s. appreciate the reminder and tips.

[Forward_Unto_Dawn]

Current Navy Hospital Corpsman - we were taught to pull back on the flush a little bit to make sure blood entered the tube and then push the saline in.