An integrated individual package and an introducer needle or wire for placing a catheter in a patient's vasculature, wherein the package doubles as a grip for placing the catheter. Prior to activation, the catheter is coaxially and slidably disposed over the introducer needle and the catheter and introducer needle assemblies are contained within the integrated package grip. The device is activated as the catheter and introducer needle assemblies are simultaneously transitioned from a closed position to an open position wherein the catheter and introducer needle assemblies are oriented for insertion into a patient's vasculature. Following placement of the catheter in a patient's vasculature, the device is deactivated as the introducer needle is withdrawn and transitioned from the open position to resume the closed position. The package grip comprises a sharps shuttle to protect a clinician from needle stick injuries.
