Abstract: A novel training aid for instructing medical personnel in proper intravenous techniques comprises a base having a vein-simulating tube removably seated in each of the one or more curved recesses formed in the top surface of the base. The vein-simulating tubes, and preferably the base as well, are formed of substantially transparent materials allowing the trainee to observe the interaction of an intravenous device with the walls of the vein-simulating tubes. The invention is also used to instruct appropriate techniques for taping the intravenous device to the patient and to demonstrate how the external portion of the device will contact the patient's skin.