The IV bag on the dash, in theory, is a good one. HOWEVER, I have noticed that when I do that, the bag is still cold on the side closest to the glass. A co-worker had the idea of a heating pad that runs in cycles. He put it in the action area with 2-3 bags, slightly wrapped around it. It goes on for about 10 minutes and is off for about 15-20. He keeps the back relatively warm (comfortable), so that the it doesn't get very cold in the back.
A nurse showed me a "trick" for patients with difficult to find veins. I had always used a 2nd tourniquet with some success. He used a latex (if no allergy) glove just below the tourniquet. Helps put more pressure on the veins to promote the back-up we look for.
And for patients on steroids or blood thinners, instead of a tourniquet use hand pressure (preferably your partner so you have both hands available) or a BP cuff inflated just above the diastolic reading. If there is too much pressure, as with a tourniquet, it can cause the veins to blow before you can even thread the cath..
If you have the life pak 12 monitor, and use ETCO2, some of the new cannula's have a port for you to attach O2. There are 2 types. One allows you to use an unmodified supply tubing. The other type you have to cut one end of the tubing and insert it into the larger opening just below the junction. Wish I had a picture to demonstrate. Maybe tonight at work I will do that.
Have more, but I just got home and we were busy... me going beddie bye.
Shannon