Invasive arterial blood pressure (IABP) monitoring techniques have
enjoyed a rich history of use throughout the mid-to-late 20th
century in the peri-operative setting and are now a standard of
care intensive care units. While there are a variety of IABP
monitoring options, one of the most common techniques is
percutaneous radial arterial catheterization. Although monitoring
of radial arterial lines is a widely accepted skill in the critical
care transport (CCT) world, placement by CCT providers is less
common. Concerns over safety and logistical management have
contributed to the perceived difficulty in arterial lines; however,
this article aims to demonstrate that arterial lines can be placed
safely and effectively in the pre-hospital setting.