New Method of Starting an Intravenous Catheter

To the Editor:—  The most important intravenous infusion in most emergency cases is the one started in the emergency room. I have adopted a variation of starting the intravenous catheter, in this instance the intracath. The instructions contained inthe manufacturer's package are selfexplanatory. However, I have modified their tenth step which is concerned with the securing of the catheter and the infusion set to the patient, in order to prevent removal of the catheter from the vein.All of the suggested steps are followed according to the directions in the package except for the tenth step. After the needle cover is placed over the needle point (Figure, part 1), I secure the needle and remaining apparatus to a tongue depressor blade with small strips of quarter-inch adhesive as depicted (Figure, part 2). At this point, the intravenous fluid is running; and there is adequate time to continue with the remaining