Prime the Line! A Case Report of Air Embolism from a Peripheral IV Line in the Field

Abstract

Venous air embolisms are rare but a cause of potentially life-threatening events with associated cardiovascular, pulmonary and neurologic effects. We report the first prehospital case of a venous air embolism in a 31-year-old male who became hemodynamically unstable after a peripheral intravenous catheter with unprimed tubing was placed by paramedics in the prehospital setting and diagnosed in the emergency department. We highlight the clinical presentation, diagnosis and emergency management of venous air embolisms.

Key words:

• air embolism
• vascular access
• peripheral intravenous access