Introduction

• Wash Hands
• Hello, my name is Qasim - I am a 3rd year medical student and I have been asked to insert a cannula into your arm today. Have you had this done before? This will involve me inserting a small plastic tube into your vein using a needle so we can give you medication. It might be a little bit uncomfortable, but shouldn't be painful. Is that ok?
• Can I confirm your name and DOB. Can I just check your wristband.
• Any allergies? Are you allergic to latex?
• Are you on any blood thinning medications?
• Do you have any fistulas? Any bruising in arms?
• Which arm would you prefer cannula to be in?
• How are you with needles?
  • ‘I completely understand, it’s a very common thing. Like I said it won’t be painful, maybe just a sharp scratch, and I’ll try my best to make it as quick and easy as possible for you. If you are too uncomfortable at any point we can stop.’
• Any questions for me before we begin?

I’m just going to collect the equipment now, if you could just roll up your sleeve for me and I’ll be back in a second.

Procedure

• Clean tray + put on apron. BRING SHARPS BIN CLOSE TO YOU.
  • Equipment
• Check expiry dates of cannula, extension set, alcohol swab syringe.
• Open equipment and leave in packs. Extension set must also be primed beforehand.
• CLEAN AREA (30s) → DRY (30s) + PUT ON GLOVES
• Remember to remove tourniquet
• INSERT CANNULA (’sharp scratch’) → REMOVE TOURNIQUET → REMOVE NEEDLE (GAUZE UNDERNEATH) + ATTACH EXTENSION SET → SECURE CANNULA (with strips on side) → FLUSH (’might feel a bit cold’) → REST OF DRESSING
• Write date of cannulation on packaging and put on side of cannula