Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility and efficacy of fascia iliaca compartment bloc (FIB) in prehospital care performed by emergency physicians.
Study design: Prospective observational study.
Patients and methods: Fifty-two patients victim of a femoral bone fracture were included consecutively. All FIB had been performed by emergency physicians trained to the technique. Lidocaine 1.5% with epinephrine has been used. Block efficacy was assessed by testing sensitive block in the anterior, lateral and medial part of the thigh. Pain levels were noted using a simplified numeric scale (SNS).
Results: No complete was reported. Ninety-four percent of blocks were successful. SNS values significantly decrease 10 minutes after block performance.
Conclusion: Emergency medicine physicians trained to the technique can perform FIB with a high success rate.