SAM IO: Rapid Intraosseous Access When Every Second Counts - Engineered to preserve life
Posted by DS Medical on 1st Aug 2025
SAM IO: Rapid Intraosseous Access When Every Second Counts
When faced with critical emergencies, where traditional IV access is delayed or impossible, intraosseous (IO) access provides a lifesaving solution. The SAM IO™ Intraosseous Access System by SAM Medical is rapidly becoming the go-to device for prehospital and emergency settings thanks to its reliability, simplicity, and mechanical precision.
At DS Medical, we supply equipment designed to support those working in emergency care, prehospital medicine, and rescue environments. The SAM IO system fits perfectly within our portfolio of trusted, professional-grade medical devices. This blog will explore what SAM IO is, how it works, its advantages, and why it should be part of every responder’s critical care kit.
What Is the SAM IO System?
The SAM IO™ is a manual intraosseous access system designed to establish vascular access when intravenous (IV) access is difficult or impossible. It provides a route for delivering fluids, medications, and blood products directly into the bone marrow.
Unlike powered IO devices that rely on battery-driven drivers, the SAM IO uses a spring-loaded mechanical driver, offering a consistent and dependable alternative that doesn’t rely on electronics or power sources. This makes it ideal for use in austere, pre-hospital, and disaster environments.
Who Uses SAM IO?
SAM IO is designed for:
- Paramedics and Emergency Medical Technicians
- Prehospital Critical Care Teams
- Military and Tactical Medics
- Fire and Rescue Services
- Emergency Departments and A&E staff
- Event Medical Cover Providers
- Private Ambulance Services
For all these professionals, rapid vascular access can be a matter of life or death — and when IV fails, IO is your next best option.
Key Features of the SAM IO System
- Spring-Loaded Driver
The mechanical driver uses a powerful internal spring to deliver the IO needle into the correct location. This spring mechanism:
- Ensures consistent insertion force
- Reduces human error
- Requires no batteries or power
- Is lightweight and reliable
- Multi-Site Access
SAM IO is designed for insertion at common IO access sites:
- Proximal Tibia
- Distal Tibia
- Proximal Humerus
This flexibility gives clinicians more options depending on the situation, patient anatomy, and trauma location.
- Colour-Coded Needles
The needles are colour-coded by length for easy recognition:
- 15mm (Pink)
- 25mm (Blue)
- 45mm (Yellow)
Each needle comes with a stylet and a protective cap to maintain sterility.
- No Batteries = No Downtime
Devices that depend on batteries or chargers can fail when you need them most. The SAM IO system's manual design means you never have to worry about flat batteries or equipment failure in the field.
- Compact and Lightweight
The SAM IO driver is small, easy to store, and fits neatly in any trauma bag, making it ideal for rapid response teams, air ambulances, and vehicle-based clinicians.
- Use of other branded IO Needles
With the SAM IO can be used with other brands IO needles, with the use of the SAM IO adapter.
When Is IO Access Needed?
Intraosseous access is used when rapid vascular access is essential and IV attempts have failed or are not feasible, such as:
- Cardiac arrest
- Hypovolemic shock
- Severe burns or trauma
- Difficult venous access (paediatric patients, obese patients, IV drug users)
- Mass casualty incidents
- Tactical or combat environments
Time is critical in these cases, and IO provides a fast, reliable, and repeatable solution to start delivering life-saving treatment.
How To Use the SAM IO System: A Quick Overview
Note: Only trained professionals should perform IO access.
- Select site – Based on patient age, anatomy, and situation.
- Prepare site – Use antiseptic to clean the insertion area.
- Assemble device – Load the correct needle into the driver.
- Position the device – Perpendicular to the insertion site.
- Insert needle – Trigger the driver to insert needle into bone.
- Remove stylet – Dispose of stylet safely.
- Attach extension set – Flush with saline to confirm placement.
- Secure needle – Use stabilisation device and begin infusion.
DS Medical also offers training aids and simulation equipment to support proper use.
Training and Education
While the SAM IO system is intuitive, competency-based training is essential. DS Medical can support training with:
- Demo drivers
- Training needles
- IO insertion models
- Educational materials
Regulatory and Safety Standards
SAM IO is:
- CE marked
- FDA cleared
- Manufactured in compliance with ISO 13485:2016 standards
- Sterile, single-use needle sets to avoid infection risks
Its mechanical simplicity also reduces the risk of device failure, which is crucial in time-sensitive situations.
Ideal For Challenging Environments
SAM IO was designed with the military and tactical responders in mind. It is tested in environments where:
- Dirt, rain, cold, and sand are present
- Battery-powered equipment may fail
- Size and weight matter
- Quick, decisive care is the priority
For remote rescue teams, industrial response units, and disaster preparedness stockpiles, the SAM IO is a mission-ready tool.
Stocking SAM IO with DS Medical
At DS Medical, we stock the full range of SAM IO products including:
- SAM IO Driver
- 15mm, 25mm, and 45mm Needle Sets
- Stabiliser Devices
- Extension Sets
- Training Kits
We’re trusted suppliers to NHS ambulance services, fire and rescue teams, private ambulance companies, and search & rescue organisations. Whether you’re equipping a single responder or outfitting an entire fleet, we offer volume discounts, account support, and fast dispatch.
Summary: Why SAM IO Belongs in Your Kit
- The SAM IO system delivers
- Fast intraosseous access
- Mechanically reliable performance
- Lightweight, battery-free design
- Easy multi-site usability
- Lower cost per use
- Excellent compatibility with field environments
In emergencies, especially where IV access fails or is delayed, SAM IO enables you to act confidently and quickly — because every second matters.