Fast1 - Opinions and Reviews?

by **RaptorGoRawr** » Thu Jul 19, 2012 7:42 am

I have been looking at adding one to my bag at some point but wanted to see if anyone actually had any hands on experience with one? I am looking for any known issues or problems with their use? Would you pick this over something like an EZ-IO for a non-combat situation? Its a lot cheaper than an IO but that does not tell me much in regards to functionality. Anyone that has actually used one or seen one being used - love your opinion.

by **KMAC179** » Thu Jul 19, 2012 11:05 am

Well. Have you ever used an IO device before? If not, dont put one in.

I love the FAST 1 , it is simple, and works. No batteries, easy to use.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iEOLm2e6 ... re=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_G6I27XTj0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhvTlfAg2Jw

by **MJS8725** » Thu Jul 19, 2012 3:37 pm

I like the FAST, we use it on our Ambulance service. It works well. I've seen it used a few times. We also use the Illinois Needles, not quite as easy as a FAST but it still gets the job done.

by **kevthemed** » Fri Jul 20, 2012 12:46 pm

I've been using them since 99. They're great for what their design entails. However, with obese, overly muscular, or large breasted, you have to push harder than usual to get the penetrator into the manubrial space. The newer "fastx" takes these issues into consideration. Having used Jamshidi, Cook,& B.I.G devices, it just depends on what you can afford. The fast series takes the least amount of training to use it correctly. The caveat being that the reason you are using this device is that the person is already dead or very close to it. In so far as having it on hand for teotwaki, keep in mind that you are starting an i.v because you are moving them to secondary then tertiary care areas. If you do not have these in place, you might want to reconsider putting your money into other areas. If you are looking at it for rehydration there are far cheaper methods I could tell you about. Let me know How I can help.

by **IANMCDEVITT** » Fri Jul 20, 2012 3:40 pm

FAST1 is an option for a military unit. A military unit where the demographics are very similar. Can you use it on peds? does it still require a removal tool ? Both things to consider........also, why not just do an EJ ? How about the hand drive for the EZIO ? Not the battery powered drill unit, the hand-drive ?.................all points to consider.

by **RaptorGoRawr** » Sun Jul 22, 2012 8:33 am

KMAC179 wrote:Well. Have you ever used an IO device before? If not, dont put one in.

I've been trained on the EZIO, but I have a military contact locally that has the Fast1 training kit he will run me through if I decided to get one.

And yes, there is a lot to consider, it's not one of those things I need ASAP but starting to gather information as I can.

by **croaker260** » Sun Jul 22, 2012 11:40 pm

I have used both on real patients. I far prefer the EZ IO due to the versatility and multiple patients groups (i.e.adults,peds) and multiple locations it can be used.I have also had the FAST malfunction before.

Dont get me wrong...both work. Both can malfunction. But my experience I prefer the EZ IO.

by **RaptorGoRawr** » Wed Jul 25, 2012 7:45 am

Yeah that does bring up a good point, I do need to worry about peds due to the Minion being 6. I am thinking I'm going to have to pony up for an EZ IO

by **rwiklund8** » Wed Jul 25, 2012 10:49 pm

Why in gods name do you need an IO in your personal kit. There used in situations where access is needed immediately along with definitive care. If your using it in the right manner (maybe something austere?) when not acting as a medic or first responder they'll be dead soon anyway.

by **RaptorGoRawr** » Fri Jul 27, 2012 7:15 am

Honestly? Because I am a medical pack-rat. My extended FAK has a lot of stuff I will probably and hopefully never need to use. Yes, at the point I would need an IO, it's going to be a very bad situation, however, it gives me peace of mind and to me at the end of the day, having peace of mind if what matters to me.

by **PotatoMuncher** » Fri Jul 27, 2012 10:13 pm

Used one once on a severe burn casualty. Worked great. The worst pain came from flushing the bone marrow, just be prepared for that part.

My ambulance company is currently looking at switching to it, but our drill IO works pretty damn well, so almost no point.

by **SOWMAS** » Thu Aug 02, 2012 4:01 pm

I've used the EZ-IO quite a bit on live patients. Mostly on unconscious people , but every once in a while on a person who is fully awake. I've used the FAST1 only during training scenarios on manikins.

In terms of ease of use, I give it to the EZ-IO, hands down. You also have more options as far as placement with the EZ-IO versus the FAST1. I do remember that when we were deciding which device to go with, we learned that the FAST1 could cause microcracks in the bone around the insertion site leading to an increase in the risk of infection and less secure placement, theoretically at least.

by **croaker260** » Tue Aug 07, 2012 12:01 am

PotatoMuncher wrote:Used one once on a severe burn casualty. Worked great. The worst pain came from flushing the bone marrow, just be prepared for that part.

My ambulance company is currently looking at switching to it, but our drill IO works pretty damn well, so almost no point.

50 mg Lidocain IVP will fix that for about 30 minutes...

by **SOWMAS** » Tue Aug 07, 2012 11:12 am

croaker260 wrote:
PotatoMuncher wrote:Used one once on a severe burn casualty. Worked great. The worst pain came from flushing the bone marrow, just be prepared for that part.

My ambulance company is currently looking at switching to it, but our drill IO works pretty damn well, so almost no point.

50 mg Lidocain IVP will fix that for about 30 minutes...

Did you mean to say to administer the Lidocaine via the IO? That is the way that I am familiar with it being used as an adjunct to the procedure. It's common for the infusion to be more painful than the insertion since there are relatively few pain receptors over the anterior tibia. The pain with infusion comes from pressure increase in the medullary space.

I believe that the FAST1 is used more in combat settings since body armor is likely to protect its intended insertion site, whereas extremity wounds might prevent you from using the EZ-IO.

by **IANMCDEVITT** » Tue Aug 07, 2012 2:11 pm

Yea, that's what he means about the Lido. To us the FAST has always been a gimmick. The EZ and BIG have delivered the goods. I'd go EZ first. Call Vidacare and tell 'em you wanna heck out there Special Operations Handle. The dude who used to run that part of the company was named Reuben back in the day.

by **JIM** » Fri Aug 10, 2012 4:19 pm

Basically the FAST-1 is suited for sternum-only, no pediatrics and a higher risk of traumatic insertion i.e. Sternal fractures, cardiac tamponade, (tension) pneumothorax

BIG: cheaper than EZ-IO, but a single use item. multiple locations possible, for adult and pediatric use. Uses powerfull spring to shoot needle into bone marrow

EZ-IO: expensive, multiple use driver with disposable adult, ped and large adult needles. Multiple locations (including sternum). Gentle insertion with more control by the user.

My choice: EZ-IO with manual driver or needle-only, because of compactness and cost.