Real World Medicine
A paramedic pulls onto the scene of a car wreck. The fire department has removed the severely injured victim from the car. The patient is going unconscious and their airway must be controlled or they could deteriorate further. Before inserting the breathing tube the paramedic must administer three medications: a sedative, a paralytic and a pain medication. All three medications have different dosages and concentrations. Will the medic be able to perform the calculations correctly and quickly while under stress?
Traditional Medication Administration
A medical provider wants to administer fentanyl to a patient. The patient weighs 165 pounds. The dose is 1.5 mcg/kg and the drug is in a vial at a concentration of 50 mcg/mL of fluid.
Step 1. converts the patient's weight from pounds to kilograms by dividing 165 by 2.2 (75 kg).
Step 2. calculates the amount of fentanyl needed by multiplying the weight in kilograms by the dose (1.5 x 75 = 112.5 mcg).
Step 3. calculates how many mLs of fluid to draw into the syringe by dividing the dosage by the concentration (112.5 / 50 = 2.25 ml).
Step 4. inserts the syringe needle into the vial and draws 2.25 ml of fentanyl into the syringe.
Step 5. attaches the syringe to the IV and fully depresses the plunger of the syringe.
Hopefully the provider performed all calculations correctly. A mistake in any of the steps above will lead to a dosing error.
Using the RxDose Syringe
Some of the medications that can be used with the RxDose system:
amiodarone, ativan, atropine (pediatric), adenosine (pediatric), bupivacaine, calcium chloride, dexmedetomidine, diltiazem, ephedrine, epinephrine (pediatric), etomidate, ketamine, fentanyl, labetalol, lasix, heparin, insulin, versed, phenylephrine, propofol, rocuronium, succinylcholine, vecuronium, morphine, hydromorphone, phenobarbital
Why use the RxDose system?
Improve patient safety
The RxDose eliminates the need for medical providers to perform drug calculations. This prevents dosing errors and improves patient outcomes.
Intuitive design
The design aligns naturally with currently used methods of medication administration. Medical providers can be trained to use the RxDose in minutes. The cross shape of the plunger allows for multiple dosages on one syringe therefore minimizing SKUs.
Increased user value
The design adds substantial value for the consumer at almost no additional cost for the manufacturer. Exclusive use rights allow for the producer to differentiate themselves from competitors while also increasing profit margins.
Innovations in needle guard systems have made syringes safer for providers. It’s now time to make syringes safer for patients. The RxDose system reduces dosing errors and increases safety for patients.