Airway Management In Emergency Department Research Articles

Prehospital and emergency department airway management of severe penetrating trauma in Sweden during the past decade

BackgroundPrehospital tracheal intubation (TI) is associated with increased mortality in patients with penetrating trauma, and the utility of prehospital advanced airway management is debated. The increased incidence of deadly violence in Sweden warrants a comprehensive evaluation of current airway management for patients with penetrating trauma in the Swedish prehospital environment and on arrival in the emergency department (ED).MethodsThis was an observational, multicenter study of all patients with penetrating trauma and injury severity scores (ISSs) ≥ 15 included in the Swedish national trauma register (SweTrau) between 2011 and 2019. We investigated the frequency and characteristics of prehospital and ED TI, including 30-day mortality and patient characteristics associated with TI.ResultOf 816 included patients, 118 (14.5%) were intubated prehospitally, and 248 (30.4%) were intubated in the ED. Patients who were intubated prehospitally had a higher ISS, 33 (interquartile range [IQR] 25, 75), than those intubated in the ED, 25 (IQR 18, 34). Prehospital TI was associated with a higher associated mortality, OR 4.26 (CI 2.57, 7.27, p < 0.001) than TI in the ED, even when adjusted for ISS (OR 2.88 [CI 1.64, 5.14, p < 0.001]). Hemodynamic collapse (≤ 40 mmHg) and low GCS score (≤ 8) were the characteristics most associated with prehospital TI. Traumatic cardiac arrests (TCAs) occurred in 154 (18.9%) patients, of whom 77 (50%) were intubated prehospitally and 56 (36.4%) were intubated in the ED. A subgroup analysis excluding TCA showed that patients with prehospital TI did not have a higher mortality rate than those with ED TI, OR 2.07 (CI 0.93, 4.51, p = 0.068), with OR 1.39 (0.56, 3.26, p = 0.5) when adjusted for ISS.ConclusionPrehospital TI was associated with a higher mortality rate than those with ED TI, which was specifically related to TCA; intubation did not affect mortality in patients without cardiac arrest. Mortality was high when airway management was needed, regardless of cardiac arrest, thereby emphasizing the challenges posed when anesthesia is needed. Several interventions, including whole blood transfusions, the implementation of second-tier EMS units and measures to shorten scene times, have been initiated in Sweden to counteract these challenges.

Association of airway obstruction with first-pass success and intubation-related adverse events in the emergency department: multicenter prospective observational studies.

Airway obstruction is a relatively rare but critical condition that requires urgent intervention in the emergency department (ED). The present study aimed to investigate the association of airway obstruction with first-pass success and intubation-related adverse events in the ED. We analyzed data from two prospective multicenter observational studies of ED airway management. We included adults (aged ≥18 years) who underwent tracheal intubation for non-trauma indications from 2012 through 2021 (113-month period). Outcome measures were first-pass success and intubation-related adverse events. We constructed a multivariable logistic regression model adjusting for age, sex, modified LEMON score (without airway obstruction), intubation methods, intubation devices, bougie use, intubator's specialty, and ED visit year with accounting for patients clustering within the ED. Of 7,349 eligible patients, 272 (4%) underwent tracheal intubation for airway obstruction. Overall, 74% of patients had first-pass success and 16% had intubation-related adverse events. The airway obstruction group had a lower first-pass success rate (63% vs. 74%; unadjusted odds ratio [OR], 0.63; 95% CI, 0.49-0.80), compared to the non-airway obstruction group. This association remained significant in the multivariable analysis (adjusted OR 0.60, 95%CI 0.46-0.80). The airway obstruction group also had a significantly higher risk of adverse events (28% vs. 16%; unadjusted OR, 1.93; 95% CI, 1.48-2.56, adjusted OR, 1.70; 95% CI, 1.27-2.29). In the sensitivity analysis using multiple imputation, the results remained consistent with the main results: the airway obstruction group had a significantly lower first-pass success rate (adjusted OR, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.48-0.76). Based on these multicenter prospective data, airway obstruction was associated with a significantly lower first-pass success rate and a higher intubation-related adverse event rate in the ED.

Anterior Lung Evisceration Following an Assault with Knife: A Case Report.

IntroductionEvisceration of the lung is a rare consequence of open chest trauma that can be fatal. Evisceration of the lung refers to the protrusion of lung parenchyma through a defect of the thoracic wall, without parietal pleural or skin coverage.Case reportA 20-year-old man was brought to the emergency department (ED) with left lung evisceration from stab wounds. The eviscerated lung was left in place, and the patient was not intubated in the ED. He was immediately taken to the operating room (OR) for intubation and surgical repair. Other significant injuries were ruled out, the eviscerated lung was retrieved, the chest wall defect was closed, and the patient recovered well. He was discharged after seven days in good condition.ConclusionThe initial management of patients with lung evisceration is critical to prevent rapid decompensation and death. Appropriate ED airway management, lung retrieval in the OR, and thoracic wall repair is recommended for patients with lung evisceration.

Emergency Department Airway Management for Status Asthmaticus With Respiratory Failure.

Data are limited regarding current practice and outcomes for emergency department airway management in status asthmaticus. This paper describes the foremost methods and outcomes of airway management in patients in the emergency department who required intubation for status asthmaticus. We analyzed all intubations with a primary indication of asthma over a 3-y period (January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2018) using the National Emergency Airway Registry (NEAR), a 25-center, prospective, observational registry of emergency department intubations. We report the incidence of intubations for asthma, methods and medications used, devices used, peri-intubation adverse events, and intubation success and failures using univariate descriptive statistics and cluster-adjusted incidence with 95% CI. A total of 19,071 encounters were recorded during the study period, with 14,517 patients intubated for medical indications. Of those, 173 (1.2%, 95% CI 0.9-1.6) were intubated for asthma. The first-attempt success rate was 90.8% (95% CI 81.9-95.5), and overall intubation success was 100%. Compared to the medical registry as a whole, patients with asthma were more likely to undergo rapid-sequence intubation (96.5% [95% CI 92.9-98.3] vs 80.8% [95% CI 75.1-82.5]), preoxygenation with bi-level positive airway pressure (BPAP) (62.9% [95% CI 49.6-74.6] vs 13.5% (95% CI 10.4-16.9]), and induction with ketamine (51.8% [95% CI 30.6-71.4] vs 11.6% [95% CI 7.6-16.8]). The adverse event rate in the patients with asthma was 12.14% (95% CI 8.1-17.9) compared to 11.93% (95% CI 9.79-14.12) in the medical registry. Status asthmaticus accounted for about 1% of emergent medical intubations. The majority of patients were intubated using rapid-sequence intubation after preoxygenation with BPAP and induction with ketamine, with the latter 2 practices being much more common for emergent intubations for status asthmaticus than for other medical indications.

Pragmatic recommendations for intubating critically ill patients with suspected COVID-19.

Pragmatic recommendations for intubating critically ill patients with suspected COVID-19.

Emergency department airway management for asthma

Emergency department airway management for asthma

Emergency Department Management of Out-of-Hospital Laryngeal Tubes

Laryngeal tubes are commonly used by emergency medical services (EMS) personnel for out-of-hospital advanced airway management. The emergency department (ED) management of EMS-placed laryngeal tubes is unknown. We seek to describe ED airway management techniques, success, and complications of patients receiving EMS laryngeal tubes. Using a keyword text search of ED notes, we identified patients who arrived at our ED with a laryngeal tube from 2010 through 2017. We performed structured chart and video reviews for all eligible patients. In our ED, emergency physicians perform all airway management, and there is no protocol dictating airway management for patients arriving with a laryngeal tube. Using descriptive methods, we report the techniques, success, and complications of ED airway management. We analyzed data on 647 patients receiving out-of-hospital laryngeal tubes, including 472 (73%) with cardiac arrest from medical causes, 75 (21%) with cardiac arrest from trauma, and 100 (15%) with other conditions. For 580 patients (89%), emergency physicians exchanged the laryngeal tube for a definitive airway in the ED. Of the 67 patients not intubated in the ED, 66 died in the ED without further airway management. Of the 580 patients intubated in the ED, orotracheal intubation was the first method attempted for 578 (>99%) and was successful on the first attempt for 515 of 578 (89%). Macintosh video laryngoscopy (88% of initial attempts) and a bougie (68% of initial attempts) were commonly used adjuncts. For 345 of 578 patients (60%), the laryngeal tube was removed before intubation attempts. For 112 of 578 patients (19%), the first intubation attempt occurred with the deflated laryngeal tube left in place. Three patients (<1%) required a surgical airway. In this cohort, emergency physicians successfully exchanged an out-of-hospital laryngeal tube for an endotracheal tube, using commonly available airway management techniques. ED clinicians should be familiar with techniques for exchanging out-of-hospital extraglottic airways for an endotracheal tube.

Need to prepare our best shot for airway management in emergency department: when the going gets tough, the tough get going

Difficult airway management and difficult intubation can be challenging in any setting but are especially so in the pre-hospital (1), emergency department and intensive care environments. Over the last few decades, a number of devices have been introduced into clinical practice to deal with this challenge. However, very few devices have withstood the test of time better than tracheal tube introducer (bougies).

Emergency Department Airway Management Responsibilities in the United States.

In the 1990s, emergency medicine (EM) physicians were responsible for intubating about half of the patients requiring airway management in emergency rooms. Since then, no studies have characterized the airway management responsibilities in the emergency room. A survey was sent via the Eastern Association for Surgery and Trauma and the Trauma Anesthesiology Society listservs, as well as by direct solicitation. Information was collected on trauma center level, geographical location, department responsible for intubation in the emergency room, department responsible for intubation in the trauma bay, whether these roles differed for pediatrics, whether an anesthesiologist was available "in-house" 24 hours a day, and whether there was a protocol for anesthesiologists to assist as backup during intubations. Responses were collected, reviewed, linked by city, and mapped using Python. The majority of the responses came from the Eastern Association for Surgery of Trauma (84.6%). Of the respondents, 72.6% were from level-1 trauma centers, and most were located in the eastern half of the United States. In the emergency room, EM physicians were primarily responsible for intubations at 81% of the surveyed institutions. In trauma bays, EM physicians were primarily responsible for 61.4% of intubations. There did not appear to be a geographical pattern for personnel responsible for managing the airway at the institutions surveyed. The majority of institutions have EM physicians managing their airways in both emergency rooms and trauma bays. This may support the observations of an increased percentage of airway management in the emergency room and trauma bay setting by EM physicians compared to 20 years ago.

Evaluation of an Innovative Bleeding Cricothyrotomy Model.

ObjectivesEmergency medicine (EM) residents are required to perform a cricothyrotomy during training as per the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) guidelines. Cricothyrotomy is a rare procedure, comprising 0.45% of emergency department airway management procedures. Procedural competence in utilizing a realistic trainer is of utmost importance. We have developed a cricothyrotomy trainer using a fused deposition modeling (FDM) three-dimensional (3D) printer and innovative bleeding tissue to enhance fidelity. We aim to evaluate the trainer’s realism.MethodsImplementation occurred during a difficult airway educational lab for EM residents in April 2018. Participants completed anonymous written surveys after performing a cricothyrotomy on the trainer. The survey evaluated the realism of the trainer and compared it to other available models by utilizing five-point visual analog scales (VAS). The participants rated their comfort level in performing the procedure pre- and post-educational lab on a five-point VAS. Demographic data included postgraduate year, prior clinical cricothyrotomy experience as a primary operator versus as an assistant, and previous trainer experience. The survey included open-response suggestions for trainer improvement. ResultsForty-three EM residents completed the survey (82.7%, 43/52). The mean realism rating of the trainer was 3.81 (95% CI = 3.54-4.1). The participants reported previous training on cadaver (62.8%, 27/43), porcine (46.5%, 20/43), and manikin (67.4%, 29/43) models prior to using this trainer. The bleeding cricothyrotomy trainer was rated higher than other models (4.45, 95% CI = 4.28-4.63). Participants noted improved comfort with performing the cricothyrotomy after the educational lab (average improvement of 1.23±0.75). Participants specifically commented on the realism of the bleeding and skin texture; however, they also recommended a reduction in the size of the cricothyroid membrane space. ConclusionThe innovative bleeding cricothyrotomy trainer has greater fidelity and reported superiority when compared to other commonly used nonbleeding models. This trainer provides a more advanced platform to teach an infrequent yet critical procedural skill to emergency medicine residents.

The effectiveness of rapid sequence intubation (RSI) versus non-RSI in emergency department: an analysis of multicenter prospective observational study

BackgroundAlthough rapid sequence intubation (RSI) is the method of choice in emergency department (ED) airway management, data to support the use of RSI remain scarce. We sought to compare the effectiveness of airway management between RSI and non-RSI (intubation with sedative agents only or without medications) in the ED.MethodsSecondary analysis of the data from a multicenter prospective observational registry at 13 Japanese EDs. All non-cardiac-arrest patients who underwent intubation with RSI or non-RSI were included for the analysis. Outcomes of interest were the success rate of intubation and intubation-related complications.ResultsOf 2365 eligible patients, 761 (32%) underwent intubations with RSI and 1,604 (68%) with non-RSI. Intubations with RSI had a higher success rate on the first attempt compared to those with non-RSI (73 vs. 63%; P < 0.0001). By contrast, the complication rates did not differ significantly between RSI and non-RSI groups (12 vs. 13%; P = 0.59). After adjusting for age, sex, estimated weight, principal indication, device, specialties and training level of the intubator, and clustering of patients within EDs, intubation with RSI was associated with a significantly higher success rate on the first attempt (OR, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.8–2.9; P < 0.0001) while that with RSI was not associated with the risk of complications (OR, 0.9; 95% CI, 0.6–1.2; P = 0.31).ConclusionsIn this large multicenter study of ED airway management, we found that intubation with RSI was independently associated with a higher success rate on the first attempt but not with the risk of complications.

Factors Associated with First-Pass Success in Pediatric Intubation in the Emergency Department.

IntroductionThe objective of this study was to investigate the factors associated with first-pass success in pediatric intubation in the emergency department (ED).MethodsWe analyzed the data from two multicenter prospective studies of ED intubation in 17 EDs between April 2010 and September 2014. The studies prospectively measured patient’s age, sex, principal indication for intubation, methods (e.g., rapid sequence intubation [RSI]), devices, and intubator’s level of training and specialty. To evaluate independent predictors of first-pass success, we fit logistic regression model with generalized estimating equations. In the sensitivity analysis, we repeated the analysis in children <10 years.ResultsA total of 293 children aged ≤18 years who underwent ED intubation were eligible for the analysis. The overall first-pass success rate was 60% (95%CI [54%–66%]). In the multivariable model, age ≥10 years (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.45; 95% CI [1.23–4.87]), use of RSI (aOR, 2.17; 95% CI [1.31–3.57]), and intubation attempt by an emergency physician (aOR, 3.21; 95% CI [1.78–5.83]) were significantly associated with a higher chance of first-pass success. Likewise, in the sensitivity analysis, the use of RSI (aOR, 3.05; 95% CI [1.63–5.70]), and intubation attempt by an emergency physician (aOR, 4.08; 95% CI [1.92–8.63]) were significantly associated with a higher chance of first-pass success.ConclusionBased on two large multicenter prospective studies of ED airway management, we found that older age, use of RSI, and intubation by emergency physicians were the independent predictors of a higher chance of first-pass success in children. Our findings should facilitate investigations to develop optimal airway management strategies in critically-ill children in the ED.

108 Ketamine as an Induction Agent in Emergency Department Intubation: Prospective Observational Multi-Center Study in Japan

Ketamine is considered as the induction agent of choice in emergent airway management in hemodynamically compromised patients. However, clinical data of the use of ketamine in emergency department (ED) intubation are sparse. We compared the success rate of ED intubation and hemodynamic parameters among patients who underwent ED intubation with ketamine, benzodiazepine, and propofol. A secondary analysis of the data from the Japanese Emergency Airway Network (JEAN) two study, a prospective observational multicenter study of 13 academic and community EDs that was designed to characterize the current ED airway management across Japan during between April 2012 and June 2014. Data fields included patient demographics, primary indication for intubation, difficult airway scores, method of intubation, device, all medications used to facilitate intubation, number of attempts, adverse events, intubator characteristics, and pre- and post-intubation vital signs. All adult patients (≥15-year-old) who underwent oral intubation with ketamine, benzodiazepine, and propofol were eligible for the analyses. The primary outcome was success rate on the first attempt. The secondary outcome was the difference between pre- and post-intubation systolic blood pressure (post-intubation systolic blood pressure minus pre-intubation systolic blood pressure). The registry recorded 3,693 intubations (capture rate 96%) and 1,192 were eligible for the analysis. 172 patients (14%) underwent intubation with ketamine, 748 (63%) with benzodiazepine, and 272 (23%) with propofol. The success rates on first attempt of intubation with ketamine, with benzodiazepine, and with propofol were respectively 68% (95% confidence interval [CI], 60%-75%), 70% (95% CI, 66%-73%), and 69% (95% CI, 63%-74%). In the multivariable analysis adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, primary indication for intubation, difficult airway score, method of intubation, device, and specialties and training level of intubator, the success rate of intubation with ketamine did not show significant difference when compared to intubation with benzodiazepine (odds ratio [OR], 0.79; 95% CI, 0.54-1.16; P = .23) and propofol (OR, 0.71: 95% CI, 0.46-1.10: P = .12). The differences between pre- and post-intubation systolic blood pressure was 9.3 mmHg (standard deviation [SD], 34.2) with ketamine, −5.1 mmHg (SD, 38.9) with benzodiazepine, and −10.4 mmHg (SD, 39.5) with propofol. After adjusting for potential confounders, the differences between pre- and post-intubation systolic blood pressure were 11.5 mmHg (95%CI, 7.1 mmHg-16.0 mmHg) with ketamine, −3.9 mmHg (95% CI, −7.1 mmHg- [−0.7 mmHg]) with benzodiazepine, and −7.7 mmHg (95% CI, −11.6 mmHg- [−3.8 mmHg]) with propofol (P < .01). In this multicenter observational study, we found no significant differences in the success rate on first attempt among intubations with ketamine, benzodiazepine, and propofol but did the higher difference between pre- and post-intubation systolic blood pressure in intubation with ketamine than those with benzodiazepine and propofol.

Emergency airway management by resident physicians in Japan: an analysis of multicentre prospective observational study.

To examine the success rates of emergency department airway management by resident physicians in Japan. We conducted an analysis of a multicentre prospective registry (Japanese Emergency Airway Network Registry) of 13 academic and community emergency departments in Japan. We included all patients who underwent emergency intubation performed by postgraduate year 1 to 5 transitional or emergency medicine residents (resident physicians) between April 2010 and August 2012. Outcome measures were success rates by the first intubator, and by rescue intubator, according to the level of training. We recorded 4,094 intubations (capture rate, 96%); 2,800 attempts (2,800/4,094; 68%; 95% confidence interval (CI), 67%-70%) were initially performed by resident physicians. Overall success rate on the first attempt was 63% (1,767/2,789; 95%CI, 61%-64%); the rate improved over the first 3 years of training before reaching a plateau (P trend < 0.001). Success rate by the first intubator was 78% (2,185/2,800; 95%CI, 76%-79%); the rate steadily improved as level of training increased (P trend < 0.001). Of 597 failed intubation attempts by the first intubator, 41% (247/597; 95%CI, 37%-45%) of rescue attempts were performed by resident physicians. Success rate on the first rescue attempt was 76% (187/247; 95%CI, 70%-81%), and success rate by first rescue intubator was 89% (220/247; 95%CI, 85%-93%). These rates on rescue attempts steadily improved as level of training increased (both P trend < 0.001). Intubations were ultimately successful in 2,778 encounters (99.6%). In this multicentre study characterizing emergency airway management across Japan, we observed that emergency department intubations were primarily managed by resident physicians with acceptably high success rates overall.

Angiographic catheter as airway exchange device through laryngeal airway mask in unanticipated difficult airway in emergency department

Sir, Angiographic catheter (AC) is commonly used in intervention cardiology, but its application outside cardiac catheterization laboratory (CCL) is seldom reported. AC has been used for nasogastric tube insertion.[1] We used AC as an airway exchange catheter through ProSeal laryngeal airway mask (PLMA) in an unanticipated difficult airway in emergency department (ED). A 42-year-old man admitted at midnight to our ED with diagnosis of severe acute pancreatitis with respiratory failure with apparent normal airway. After preoxygenation rapid sequence intubation was tried with cricoid pressure but unable to intubate even after removal of cricoid pressure for a moment. Immediately airway was secured with size 4 PLMA. The patient needs definite airway for prolonged mechanical ventilation. But we did not have sophisticated airway gadgets in our resuscitation kit. Then we used a 9 Fr sterile AC (Medtronic, Minnesota, USA) with guide wire [Figure 1] lubricated with lignocaine 2% gelly as airway exchange catheter in airway port of PLMA [Figure 2] keeping suction catheter in gastric port. It passed smoothly into trachea and a tactile sensation was felt by keeping the palm on trachea. After 35 cm of insertion, PLMA was removed. Apnea oxygenation was supplied to the patient through the angiographic catheter after removing guide wire and an 8 mm internal diameter endotracheal tube (ET) was exchanged. ET confirmed with capnometry and 5-point chest auscultation. Figure 1 Angiographic catheter with guidewire Figure 2 Angiography catheter inside ProSeal laryngeal airway mask Repeated attempts of laryngoscopy for tracheal intubation in difficult airway are associated with decreased success, increase complications, and morbidities. Alternative airway devices like gum elastic bougies, rigid or flexible fiberoptic bronchoscope, intubating laryngeal mask airway (LMA), video laryngoscope, light wand, and cricothyroidotomy are very effective in this situation.[2]. Airway management in ED is often more difficult than operation theater due to unavailability of difficult airway gadgets, improper environment, and untrained medical stuff. As an intubation conduit LMA is used in different way like blind ET passage after proper LMA placement, using a premounted ET in LMA, bougie-aided intubation via LMA, light wand-aided intubation through LMA, fiberscope aided intubation via LMA, and so on. PLMA having narrower airway tube will not allow to pass larger ET, but absence of aperture bar allow smooth passage of AC. Above all, PLMAs have gastric drainage tube to reduced incidence of aspiration, prevent gastric insufflation, and allow ventilation with higher pressure as it was required in our patient. People used fiberoptic aided intubation through the LMA-Supreme using an Aintree Intubating Catheter (AIC) in manikin.[3] Cook et al.,[4] reported seven case of difficult intubation via PLMA using AIC. AIC are long length, atraumatic, ability to oxygenate, and ventilate during exchange process. But the guidewire in it is too thin and soft for support. We used sterilized AC with atramatic guide wire which have same function as AIC but minimum cost and easily available from CCL. This AC was previously used for angiography but sterilized with 2% glutaraldehyde for 10 min before use in this patient.[5] In conclusion, emergency resuscitation and airway kit must contain classic LMA and LMA for rescue ventilation and oxygenation, while a resterilized AC can also be a useful gadget in difficult airway situation with limited resource.

Emergency airway management in Japan: Interim analysis of a multi-center prospective observational study

ObjectivesEmergency medicine is increasingly recognized as a medical specialty in Japan. However, comprehensive studies evaluating emergency airway management practice are lacking. We describe emergency department (ED) airway management using a large multi-center registry. MethodsWe formed the Japanese Emergency Airway Network, a consortium of 10 academic and community medical centers in Japan, and prospectively collected data on ED intubations from April 2010 to February 2011. All patients undergoing emergency intubation were eligible for inclusion. Data were entered in real time by the intubator using a standardized data form. Variables included patient's age, sex, weight, indication for intubation, methods of intubation, drugs, level of training and specialty of the intubator, number of attempts, success or failure, and adverse events. We present descriptive data as proportions with 95% confidence intervals. ResultsWe recorded 1486 intubations (compliance rate 99%). Intubation was ultimately successful in 99.7%. The initial method of intubation varied substantially among the hospitals, including rapid sequence intubation (0–79%), sedation without paralysis (4–88%), paralysis without sedation (0–18%), and oral without medication (12–67%), in non-cardiac arrest encounters. Success rates in first and ≤3 attempts ranged from 40 to 83% and from 74 to 100%, respectively. The overall adverse event rate was 11%, without significant difference by the method used. ConclusionsIn this multi-center study characterizing ED airway management across Japan, we observed a high overall success rate but a high degree of variation among hospitals in the methods of intubation and success rates.

380 Emergency Airway Management in Japan: Interim Analysis of a Multi-Center Prospective Observational Study

380 Emergency Airway Management in Japan: Interim Analysis of a Multi-Center Prospective Observational Study

Airway Registry: A Performance Improvement Surveillance Project of Emergency Department Airway Management

The aim of this study was to determine if use of a standardized airway data collection sheet can survey airway management practices in an emergency department. Success rates and trends from the authors' facility have been benchmarked against the National Emergency Airway Registry (NEAR). This study included all patients requiring invasive airway management during a 21-month period (July 1, 2005, through March 31, 2007). An audit form was developed and implemented to collect data on intubations. During the study period, 224 patients required invasive airway control. Of all airways managed by emergency medicine residents, the intubation success rate was 99% (200/203; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 96%-100%), with 3% of those (6/203; 95% CI = 1%-6%) requiring more than 3 attempts; 3 patients (1%; 95% CI = 0%-4%) could not be intubated and required a surgical airway. Use of an airway registry based on the NEAR registry as a benchmark of rates and types of successful intubation allows comparison of airway practices.

435: Changes in Emergency Department Airway Management Over the Last 12 Years

435: Changes in Emergency Department Airway Management Over the Last 12 Years

88: The Impact of the Gum Elastic Bougie on Emergency Department Cricothyrotomy Rate

Difficult airway management is an important element of emergency medical care. Over the past decade multiple developments have contributed to the success of emergency department airway management. Despite such success, the cricothyrotomy (cric) rate has been consistently reported as approximately 1%. We sought to determine if the introduction of the gum elastic bougie (GEB) to the airway curriculum would impact the cric rate.