Obtaining venous access in critically ill children is an essential procedure to
restore blood volume and administer drugs during pediatric emergencies. The first
option for vascular access is through a peripheral vein puncture. If this route
cannot be used or if a prolonged period of access is necessary, then the intraosseous
route is an effective option for rapid and safe venous access. The present work is a
descriptive and exploratory literature review. The study's aim was to describe the
techniques, professional responsibilities, and care related to obtaining venous
access via the intraosseous route in pediatric emergencies. We selected 22 articles
(published between 2000 and 2011) that were available in the Latin American and
Caribbean Health Sciences (LILACS) and MEDLINE databases and the SciELO electronic
library, in addition to the current protocol of cardiopulmonary resuscitation from
the American Heart Association (2010). After the literature search, data were pooled
and grouped into the following categories of analysis: historical aspects and
physiological principles; indications, benefits, and contraindications; professional
assignments; technical principles; care during the access; and possible
complications. The results of the present study revealed that the intraosseous route
is considered the main secondary option for vascular access during the emergency
response because the technique is quick and easily executed, presents several
non-collapsible puncture sites, and enables the rapid and effective administration of
drugs and fluid replacement.