What should paramedics avoid accessing for patient care?

Paramedics are trained to handle various types of intravenous access, but there are specific guidelines they must follow regarding which routes are considered safe and appropriate for patient care. Central line catheters and dialysis catheters are specifically designed for long-term use and often require specialized training to manage properly. Accessing these types of catheters without the appropriate training or under emergency circumstances can pose significant risks, such as introducing infection, causing damage to the catheter, or triggering complications that could jeopardize the patient's health.

In contrast, peripheral veins are routinely accessed in emergency situations for fluid administration and medication delivery, as are venous sampling sites, which are generally considered safe and straightforward for trained personnel. Intradermal injections, while used less frequently, can also be safely performed by those with appropriate training. Therefore, the most prudent course of action is to avoid accessing central line catheters or dialysis catheters in pre-hospital settings unless the paramedic has the specific training and authorization to do so.