As a paramedic working in the state of washington in the USA, I have to say a few things. Knowing that the system I work in is different from yours, I will say that here, my EMT partner is not responsible for that decision-I am, since I am the medical authority on scene (between me and my EMT partner). Secondly, the EZ-IO drills are CAKE and the best thing to be put on ambulances for this exact reason-virtually painless (it was done on me in training) and instant access, regardless of patient condition, age, etc. I am guessing from what you wrote that the EZ-IO is not on your rigs in London yet, which is something that maybe you guys can lobby your supervisors for because of the huge benefit to having them. Regardless, don't let this cause so much second-guessing on your part-you did the best you could with the equipment you had on hand. If your partner felt her inexperience was an issue since she hasn't done many peds IVs, don't you guys have a training dept that provides yearly in-services to keep those rarely used skills functioning? If so, maybe she should be proactive and attend some of those refreshers for just this type of reason. That is one thing about working in this field, you never ever know what each day is going to bring, so you have to constantly be on your game-working to keep those skills effective and ready for the rare call that comes your way. Beyond fluid boluses, there wasn't much else that could be done in the field for the child, so getting her to the emergency room fast is always a good call. Also, since I am writing for the first time, I wanted to let you know that as a medic in a completely different country with totally different emergency systems, it is great to read your blog. I really enjoy it. Thanks. Tresa