Safest light in a combat area while performing intravenous access in the dark

Abstract

Blue light offered the best tactical safety during intravenous cannulation under night-time conditions and is recommended for future use in tactical casualty care. The use of NVGs using infrared light cannot be recommended if there is the possibility of opponents having access to the technology.

Comparative evaluation of the efficacy of using monocular, binocular and panoramic night vision goggles in successful venous access in darkness

“…MNVGs are often used by the ground units, whereas BNVG and PNVG are preferred by special forces and military helicopter pilots, as they provide wider temporal vision and depth perception 5 6. Although the tactical use of NVGs has been included in the routine training programme of combatant units, their use has not become widespread in the training and practice of CMS 3 7 8. It has been recommended that the use of NVGs must be included in practical and theoretical training in medical/tactical scenarios in dark conditions 3 4 7 9.…”

“…Although the tactical use of NVGs has been included in the routine training programme of combatant units, their use has not become widespread in the training and practice of CMS 3 7 8. It has been recommended that the use of NVGs must be included in practical and theoretical training in medical/tactical scenarios in dark conditions 3 4 7 9. It has also been reported that increasing user experience through practical training increases success rates in interventions using NVGs under dark conditions 3.…”

“…It has been recommended that the use of NVGs must be included in practical and theoretical training in medical/tactical scenarios in dark conditions 3 4 7 9. It has also been reported that increasing user experience through practical training increases success rates in interventions using NVGs under dark conditions 3. In a study on mannequins using BNVG in night conditions, Gellerfors et al 8 attributed the improved success rates and completion times in ETI compared with those reported by Brummer et al 9 using MNVG to the experience of the providers.…”

“…Using a light source in night conditions will expose the location of friendly units which may therefore come under fire of enemy units. The use of NVGs by the CMS while responding the casualties in an active combat area is a requirement for tactical security 3 4. There may be some limitations such as lack of a routine training programme on placement of an intravenous line using NVGs by the CMS and lack of experience.…”