How often should saline locks be flushed during prolonged field care?

In prolonged field care, flushing saline locks is essential for maintaining patency and preventing occlusion of the intravenous (IV) access. Flushing every hour helps to ensure the saline lock remains clear by actively preventing the buildup of blood clots or other obstructions that can occur over time.

This frequency is especially important in a field setting where the risk of complications may be higher due to environmental factors or limited access to immediate medical care. A more frequent flushing schedule can also help mitigate the risk of infection by ensuring that stagnant blood does not remain in the IV line, which could become a source of contamination.

This thorough approach to care helps maintain the effectiveness of the IV access for medication administration, which is critical in prolonged field settings where patients may require ongoing treatment. The hourly flushing protocol balances safety and practicality, focusing on the health and stability of the patient in field conditions.