Twenty volunteers from the Medical Reserve Corps of Bainbridge Prepares gathered at Bainbridge Fire Station 21 this past Saturday, April 27, to refresh their skills in managing and inserting intravenous lines (IVs). The four-hour training was a collaboration between Bainbridge Prepares and the University of Washington Medical Center’s (UWMC) Community Partnership Council.

During a major disaster when Bainbridge loses access to definitive care, MRC volunteers will triage and provide medical support to patients at the island’s Disaster Hubs and Disaster Medical Center. Thanks to the IV Skills training, MRC volunteers now have refreshed skills in the administration of IV infusion therapy to treat infection, shock, and burns, among other medical emergencies.

The instructors reviewed IV insertion techniques, site selection, IV complications, and types of medications that can be given via peripheral IV. Attendees had lots of hands-on practice using mannequin arms with liquid-filled veins that give realistic feedback. 

MRC Team Lead Raj Bais, who also serves on the UWMC Community Partnership Council, coordinated the event. Five IV experts from UWMC came from Seattle to help teach the class, which was led by Judy Delismon, RN, and Kelly Gardner, RN and BP MRC volunteer.

The UWMC Community Partnership connects UW nursing/medical staff with a wide range of volunteer opportunities (such as providing medical aid at community events and volunteering at clothing drives, health fairs, and county clinics). 

Featured photo shows Raj Bais (far left), Kelly Gardner (next to Raj), and other UWMC IV instructors.