<P> The external jugular vein varies in size, bearing an inverse proportion to the other veins of the neck, it is occasionally double . </P> <P> This vein receives the occipital occasionally, the posterior external jugular, and, near its termination, the transverse cervical, transverse scapular, and anterior jugular veins; in the substance of the parotid, a large branch of communication from the internal jugular joins it . </P> <P> The external jugular vein drains into the subclavian vein lateral to the junction of the subclavian vein and the internal jugular vein . </P> <P> The external jugular is a large vein used in prehospital medicine for venous access when the EMT is unable to find another peripheral vein . It is commonly used in cardiac arrest or other situations where the patient is unresponsive due to the pain associated with the procedure . In a cardiac arrest using this vein has the advantage that the paramedic can stay at the head and intubate the patient as well . Although many EMTs and paramedics use this vein the American Heart Association still recommends the use of the cephalic vein . </P>

Where does the external jugular vein drain into