Prehospital Intubation Research Articles

Difficult Intubation Factors in Prehospital Rapid Sequence Intubation by an Australian Helicopter Emergency Medical Service

ObjectivePrehospital rapid sequence intubation (RSI) of critically ill trauma patients is a high-risk procedure that may be associated with an increased rate of severe complications such as failed intubation, failure of oxygenation, hypoxia, hypotension, or need for surgical airway. The objective of this study was to describe the factors associated with difficult intubation in prehospital RSI as defined by more than a single look at laryngoscopy to achieve tracheal intubation. MethodsThis is an observational study using prospectively collected data. ResultsFour hundred forty-three RSIs were performed. Paramedics were the initial laryngoscopist in 290 (65.5%). First-look laryngoscopy resulted in successful tracheal intubation (TI) in 372 (84.0%) (95% confidence interval, 80.3%-87.1%). Intubation was achieved on second look at laryngoscopy in 58 (13.1%). “First-pass” TI was achieved in 394 (88.9%). Overall, successful TI was achieved in 438 (98.9%) (95% confidence interval, 97.4%-99.5%). Complications occurred in 116 (26.2%), with desaturation the commonest in 77 (17.4%). ConclusionFactors associated with more than 1 look at laryngoscopy before TI included paramedic laryngoscopist and the presence of at least 1 of the following indicators: blood/vomitus in the airway, limited mouth opening, and limited neck movement. Trauma to face/neck, obese body habitus, C-spine precautions, cricoid pressure, midline stabilization, and intubation on the ground did not influence the level of difficulty encountered.

The relationship between prehospital endotracheal intubation and the postoperative pulmonary infection in patients with traumatic brain injury

Objective To investigate the impacts of prehospital endotracheal intubation on postoperative pulmonary infection in the patients with severe traumatic brain injury. Methods Retrospectively, the clinical data of 284 patients with severe traumatic brain injury admitted in the 97th Hospital of PLA from July 2007 to December 2012 were analyzed. The patients were classified into two groups according to the timing of endotracheal intubation, namely, prehospital intubation group and admission intubation group. The postoperative pulmonary infection incidence, occurrence time, and the duration of treatment of the two groups were studied. Results The incidences of postoperative pulmonary infection in patients intubated before and after admission were 38.0% and 25.2% respectively. Pulmonary infection occurred in the prehospital intubation group was at the (9.9±0.6) d after admission, and in the admission intubation group was at the (11.6±0.3) d after admission. The duration of treatment for postoperative pulmonary infection was (21.2±7.2) days and (14.5±9.0) days respectively. Compared with the patients intubated after admission, patients intubated before admission suffered higher incidence (P <0.05) , earlier onset (P <0.05) , and longer treatment duration of pulmonary infection (P <0.01). Conclusions Severe traumatic brain injury patients with prehospital endotracheal intubation are more susceptible to pulmonary infection. Avoiding the tracheal injury and bacterial contamination in the procedure could reduce the incidence of pulmonary infection. Key words: Trauma; Brain injury; Pulmonary infection; Endotracheal intubation; Prehospital; Postoperation; Complication; Prevention

First-pass intubation success rate during rapid sequence induction of prehospital anaesthesia by physicians versus paramedics

Endotracheal intubation is a frequently performed procedure for securing the airway in critically injured or ill patients. Performing prehospital intubation may be challenging and intubation skills vary. We reviewed the first-attempt tracheal intubation success rate in a Dutch prehospital setting. We studied our database for all intubations performed by helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) physicians, HEMS nurse and ambulance paramedics under HEMS supervision between January 2007 and July 2012. The primary outcome was success rate, number of intubation attempts and alternative airway procedures. In all, 1399 patients were in need of a secured airway. In 571 (40.8%) of these cases, ambulance paramedics made a first intubation attempt under HEMS supervision. If necessary, rapid sequence induction medication was administered. In comparable patient groups, the first intubation success rate was significantly lower in ambulance paramedics compared with helicopter physicians (46.4 vs. 84.5%, P<0.0001). The overall physician intubation success rate was 98.4% after one or more intubation attempts. In 19 cases, a surgical airway was created and in three cases an alternative ventilation method was used. Prehospital intubations had a significantly higher success rate when performed by helicopter physicians. We promote a low threshold for HEMS deployment in cases of a potentially compromised airway.

Endotracheal tube cuff pressures and tube position in critically injured patients on arrival at a referral centre: Avoidable harm?

IntroductionThe consequences of excessive endotracheal tube (ETT) cuff pressure are known and have long-term effects; however less attention is placed upon cuff pressure and tube position pre-hospital and in emergency centre. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ETT cuff pressure and tube position on arrival of all patients admitted to the Trauma Unit at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital, both from scene and inter-hospital transfers to determine the median cuff-pressure and if there were differences between the two groups.MethodsData from Trauma Unit patients are entered into a prospective; UKZN approved (BE207-09) Trauma Database. Data on 65 admissions between April and December 2014 were reviewed to determine the arrival cuff pressure and tube position. Data captured included patient age, cuff pressure, where and who intubated the patient, and time since intubation to cuff pressure check. Data were analysed by descriptive statistics and Student’s t-test for continuous data.ResultsMost patients had sustained motor vehicle related trauma, with a male predominance. Equal numbers were intubated pre-hospital versus the in-hospital group. Eighty percent of ETT’s were placed in the correct anatomical location, however only 23% of cuff pressures were found to be within the safe pressure limits. ETT cuff pressures were excessive in the pre-hospital ALS group more often than the facility-intubation group (p = 0.042). There were fatal complications related to supra-glottic intubations resulting in aspiration pneumonia, highlighting the need for X-ray confirmation of tube position.ConclusionMost patients, whether intubated on-scene or at hospital have ETT cuff pressures that are excessive, with the potential for ischaemic necrosis of the tracheal mucosa. ETT cuff manometry should be standard of care for all prehospital and in-hospital intubations where the tube will remain in situ for any prolonged period of time. Before inter-facility transfer ETT position should be confirmed radiologically.

Major trauma in winter sports: an international trauma database analysis.

The aim of this study was to compare the demographics, injury patterns, and outcomes following major trauma between Alpine skiing, snowboarding, and sledding winter sports. An international population-based prospective trauma database (TraumaRegister DGU®) was analyzed for demographic data, types and severity of injuries [body regions, Injury Severity Score (ISS)], early physiology [Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), blood pressure, body temperature], rescue modality, surgical care, length of stay, and major complications (shock, multiple organ failure mortality). Participating countries included Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Finland, Slovenia, Belgium, Luxembourg, and The Netherlands. A total of 243 winter sport athletes with major trauma were identified (1993-2012), and subjects were divided into Alpine skiers (n=174), snowboarders (n=29), and sledders (n=40). Athletes were predominantly male and presented hypothermic at emergency room arrival, despite a large proportion of air rescue (77%). Alpine skiing was associated with higher injury severity (ISS 20.8±14.0, p=0.010) when compared with snowboarding (ISS 18.7±14.0) and sledding (ISS 13.8±9.5). Snowboarding was associated with the highest pre-hospital intubation rate (40.9%, p=0.007), despite comparable GCS values and prevalence of loss of consciousness at scene. The injury patterns were different between the three groups. Skiing was associated with head (47.1%), chest (40.2%, p=0.047), and spinal injuries (40.9%, p=0.022). Snowboarding was associated with the highest percentage of upper extremity trauma. Sledders had the highest prevalence of facial and lower extremity trauma. Alpine skiing, snowboarding, and sledding result in different injury patterns and affect various age groups. Our data suggest an increased risk for chest and spinal injuries in Alpine skiers. Due to high-energy injury mechanisms, all three winter sports involve a risk of severe multiple trauma. While all athlete groups required a high rate of emergency surgery procedures, the observed in-hospital mortality from winter sports remains low.

Association of prehospital endotracheal intubation with survival of patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: A 5-year retrospective cohort study

Association of prehospital endotracheal intubation with survival of patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: A 5-year retrospective cohort study

Use of a Flexible Intubating Scope in Combination with a Channeled Video Laryngoscope for Managing a Difficult Airway in the Emergency Department

BackgroundDifficulty with intubation is not uncommon in the emergency setting. Video laryngoscopes (VLs) are commonly used to manage the difficult airway in the emergency department (ED). Intubation using a flexible bronchoscope, while considered the gold standard for managing the anticipated difficult airway in the operating room, is not commonly used in the ED. CaseWe present a case describing VL-assisted flexible scope intubation performed in the ED as a novel feasible approach to managing the difficult airway. A 65-year-old male, post cardiac arrest, with multiple unsuccessful attempts at prehospital intubation had rapid sequence intubation (RSI) performed and, despite obtaining a view with a King Vision™ VL, the skilled operator was unable to advance the endotracheal tube (ETT). An Ambu™ aScope3 flexible intubating scope (FIS) was placed through the ETT loaded in the channel of the King Vision and advanced through the cords to a position proximal to the carina. The ETT was then advanced easily over the FIS and down the trachea. Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This?Although video laryngoscopy is commonly used in the ED, intubation can prove difficult, despite having an adequate view of the glottis. Use of an FIS, however, through a channeled VL makes navigation of the ETT easier and facilitates tube advancement, which can be difficult with VL. Channeled VL-assisted use of an FIS is a viable option for managing the difficult airway.

Experience in Prehospital Endotracheal Intubation Significantly Influences Mortality of Patients with Severe Traumatic Brain Injury: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BackgroundPatients with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) are at high risk for airway obstruction and hypoxia at the accident scene, and routine prehospital endotracheal intubation has been widely advocated. However, the effects on outcome are unclear. We therefore aim to determine effects of prehospital intubation on mortality and hypothesize that such effects may depend on the emergency medical service providers’ skill and experience in performing this intervention.Methods and FindingsPubMed, Embase and Web of Science were searched without restrictions up to July 2015. Studies comparing effects of prehospital intubation versus non-invasive airway management on mortality in non-paediatric patients with severe TBI were selected for the systematic review. Results were pooled across a subset of studies that met predefined quality criteria. Random effects meta-analysis, stratified by experience, was used to obtain pooled estimates of the effect of prehospital intubation on mortality. Meta-regression was used to formally assess differences between experience groups. Mortality was the main outcome measure, and odds ratios refer to the odds of mortality in patients undergoing prehospital intubation versus odds of mortality in patients who are not intubated in the field. The study was registered at the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) with number CRD42014015506. The search provided 733 studies, of which 6 studies including data from 4772 patients met inclusion and quality criteria for the meta-analysis. Prehospital intubation by providers with limited experience was associated with an approximately twofold increase in the odds of mortality (OR 2.33, 95% CI 1.61 to 3.38, p<0.001). In contrast, there was no evidence for higher mortality in patients who were intubated by providers with extended level of training (OR 0.75, 95% CI 0.52 to 1.08, p = 0.126). Meta-regression confirmed that experience is a significant predictor of mortality (p = 0.009).ConclusionsEffects of prehospital endotracheal intubation depend on the experience of prehospital healthcare providers. Intubation by paramedics who are not well skilled to do so markedly increases mortality, suggesting that routine prehospital intubation of TBI patients should be abandoned in emergency medical services in which providers do not have ample training, skill and experience in performing this intervention.

The impact of blood ethanol concentration on the classification of head injury severity in traumatic brain injury

Background: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is classified into mild, moderate and severe, based on the Glasgow Coma Score (GCS). However, TBI patients are often influenced by ethanol, which in itself can attenuate the level of consciousness. This study investigated the effect of ethanol on the GCS group classification in TBI patients.Methods: The Oslo University Hospital trauma database was searched for all patients admitted with a head injury where the blood ethanol concentration (BEC) had been measured (n = 1004). The effect of BEC on GCS groups was analysed using multivariate ordinal logistic regression.Results: This study identified 546, 142 and 316 patients in the mild, moderate and severe groups, respectively. Increasing BEC by 1 g kg−1 and pre-hospital intubation had OR = 1.34 and 16.34 for being in a more severe GCS group, respectively. Increasing head abbreviated injury scale (head-AIS) was significantly associated with being in a more severe GCS group. The modelled probability of detecting a head-AIS of 4 or 5 in a patient with BEC of 2.0 g kg−1 was 20%, 38% and 65% in the mild, moderate and severe groups, respectively.Conclusions: Increasing BEC was associated with increasing odds of being in a more severe GCS group. However, because the modelled probability of significant brain injury was high in patients with high levels of BEC, a reduced level of consciousness in intoxicated patients mandates further radiological investigations.

Prehospital endotracheal intubation and survival after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: results from the Korean nationwide registry

PurposeOptimal out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) airway management strategies are still controversial. Recent studies reported survival was higher among patients who received bag-valve-mask (BVM) than those receiving endotracheal intubation (ETI) or supraglottic airway (SGA). The aim of this study was to compare neurologically favorable survival outcomes among adult nontraumatic OHCA patients by prehospital airway. MethodsWe used the Korean nationwide OHCA cohort database from 2010 to 2013. The inclusion criteria were all OHCA adults with presumed cardiac etiology, resuscitated by level-1 emergency medical technician. Patients were excluded if their information about the method of prehospital airway or clinical outcomes at hospital discharge could not be captured. The primary outcome was neurologically favorable survival to discharge. We compared the outcomes among 3 groups (ETI, SGA, or BVM) by prehospital airway using multivariable logistic regression with interaction model. ResultsOf 98896 patients with OHCA, 32513 were included in analysis. Patients receiving BVM were 29684 and 2829 underwent advanced airway management including 1634 with SGA and 1195 with ETI. The odds of neurologically favorable survival to discharge was significantly higher in the ETI group compared to the BVM group (adjusted OR, 1.405; 95% CI, 1.1001-1.971). In the interaction model by witnessed status, the effect of ETI on good clinical outcomes was shown only in the patients whose arrest was unwitnessed. ConclusionIn this Korean nationwide, population-based OHCA cohort, neurologically favorable survival to hospital discharge rates was significantly higher among patients who received ETI than those receiving BVM or SGA.

Trauma-associated pneumonia: time to redefine ventilator-associated pneumonia in trauma patients

BackgroundThe high prevalence of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in trauma patients has been reported in the literature, but the reasons for this observation remain unclear. We hypothesize that trauma factors play critical roles in VAP etiology. MethodsIn this retrospective study, 1,044 ventilated trauma patients were identified from December 2010 to December 2013. Patient-level trauma factors were used to predict pneumonia as study endpoint. ResultsNinety-five of the 1,044 ventilated trauma patients developed pneumonia. Rib fractures, pulmonary contusion, and failed prehospital intubation were significant predictors of pneumonia in a multivariate model. ConclusionsIt is time to redefine VAP in trauma patients based on the effect of rib fractures, pulmonary contusions, and failed prehospital intubations. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention definition of VAP needs to be modified to reflect the effect of trauma factors in the etiology of trauma-associated pneumonia.

Prehospital Intubation for Isolated Severe Blunt Traumatic Brain Injury: Worse Outcomes and Higher Mortality

Prehospital endotracheal intubation (ETI) for traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a controversial issue. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of prehospital ETI in patients with TBI. Cohort-matched study using the US National Trauma Data Bank (NTDB) 2008–2012. Patients with isolated severe blunt TBI (AIS head ≥3, AIS chest/abdomen <3) and a field GCS ≤8 were extracted from NTDB. A 1:1 matching of patients with and without prehospital ETI was performed. Matching criteria were sex, age, exact field GCS, exact AIS head, field hypotension, field cardiac arrest, and the brain injury type (according PREDOT-code). The matched cohorts were compared with univariable and multivariable regression analysis. A total of 27,714 patients were included. Matching resulted in 8139 cases with and 8139 cases without prehospital ETI. Prehospital ETI was associated with significantly longer scene (median 9 vs. 8 min, p < 0.001) and transport times (median 26 vs. 19 min, p < 0.001), lower Emergency Department (ED) GCS scores (in patients without sedation; mean 3.7 vs. 3.9, p = 0.026), more ventilator days (mean 7.3 vs. 6.9, p = 0.006), longer ICU (median 6.0 vs. 5.0 days, p < 0.001) and total hospital length of stay (median 10.0 vs. 9.0 days, p < 0.001), and higher in-hospital mortality (31.4 vs. 27.5 %, p < 0.001). In regression analysis prehospital ETI was independently associated with lower ED GCS scores (RC −4.213, CI −4.562/−3.864, p < 0.001) and higher in-hospital mortality (OR 1.399, CI 1.205/1.624, p < 0.001). In this large cohort-matched analysis, prehospital ETI in patients with isolated severe blunt TBI was independently associated with lower ED GCS scores and higher mortality.

Implementing videolaryngoscopy in anaesthetist-staffed pre-hospital critical care

Background Pre-hospital endotracheal intubation may be challenging, even in expert hands [1,2]. Difficult or failed endotracheal intubations are associated with complications that can be life threatening [1] and the risk of complications increases when the first endotracheal intubation attempt is not successful [2]. The McGRATH MAC videolaryngoscope may have the potential to improve first-pass success rates [3] and reduce complication rates and we therefore introduced this as the standard primary device for endotracheal intubation in our anaesthetist-staffed pre-hospital critical care services. As part of the quality insurance program, we investigated the attending anaesthetists’ adherence to this new standard and their reasons for non-adherence.

A modified Kampala trauma score (KTS) effectively predicts mortality in trauma patients.

Mortality prediction in trauma patients has relied upon injury severity scoring tools focused on anatomical injury. This study sought to examine whether an injury severity scoring system which includes physiologic data performs as well as anatomic injury scores in mortality prediction. Using data collected from 18 Level I trauma centers and 51 non-trauma center hospitals in the US, anatomy based injury severity scores (ISS), new injury severity scores (NISS) were calculated as were scores based on a modified version of the physiology-based Kampala trauma score (KTS). Because pre-hospital intubation, when required, is standard of care in the US, a modified KTS was calculated excluding respiratory rate. The predictive ability of the modified KTS for mortality was compared with the ISS and NISS using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. A total of 4716 individuals were eligible for study. Each of the three scores was a statistically significant predictor of mortality. In this sample, the modified KTS significantly outperformed the ISS (AUC=0.83, 95% CI 0.81-0.84 vs. 0.77, 95% CI 0.76-0.79, respectively) and demonstrated similar predictive ability compared to the NISS (AUC=0.83, 95% CI 0.81-0.84 vs. 0.82, 95% CI 0.80-0.83, respectively). The modified KTS may represent a useful tool for assessing trauma mortality risk in real time, as well as in administrative data where physiologic measures are available. Further research is warranted and these findings suggest that the collection of physiologic measures in large databases may improve outcome prediction.

The BIG Score and Prediction of Mortality in Pediatric Blunt Trauma

To examine the association between in-hospital mortality and the BIG (composed of the base deficit [B], International normalized ratio [I], Glasgow Coma Scale [G]) score measured on arrival to the emergency department in pediatric blunt trauma patients, adjusted for pre-hospital intubation, volume administration, and presence of hypotension and head injury. We also examined the association between the BIG score and mortality in patients requiring admission to the intensive care unit (ICU). A retrospective 2001-2012 trauma database review of patients with blunt trauma ≤ 17 years old with an Injury Severity score ≥ 12. Charts were reviewed for in-hospital mortality, components of the BIG score upon arrival to the emergency department, prehospital intubation, crystalloids ≥ 20 mL/kg, presence of hypotension, head injury, and disposition. 50/621 (8%) of the study patients died. Independent mortality predictors were the BIG score (OR 11, 95% CI 6-25), prior fluid bolus (OR 3, 95% CI 1.3-9), and prior intubation (OR 8, 95% CI 2-40). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.95 (CI 0.93-0.98), with the optimal BIG cutoff of 16. With BIG <16, death rate was 3/496 (0.006, 95% CI 0.001-0.007) vs 47/125 (0.38, 95% CI 0.15-0.7) with BIG ≥ 16, (P < .0001). In patients requiring admission to the ICU, the BIG score remained predictive of mortality (OR 14.3, 95% CI 7.3-32, P < .0001). The BIG score accurately predicts mortality in a population of North American pediatric patients with blunt trauma independent of pre-hospital interventions, presence of head injury, and hypotension, and identifies children with a high probability of survival (BIG <16). The BIG score is also associated with mortality in pediatric patients with trauma requiring admission to the ICU.

Prehospital endotracheal intubation vs extraglottic airway device in blunt trauma

ObjectiveThe objective of the study is to compare outcomes in blunt trauma patients managed with prehospital insertion of an extraglottic airway device (EGD) vs endotracheal intubation (ETI). The null hypothesis was that there would be no difference in mortality for the 2 groups. MethodsThis is a retrospective study of blunt trauma patients with Glasgow Coma Scale score less than or equal to 8 transported by ground emergency medical services directly from the scene of injury to a single urban level 1 trauma center. Patients managed with only noninvasive airway techniques were excluded, leaving patients undergoing either EGD placement or ETI. Outcomes included in–emergency department (ED) traumatic arrest and hospital mortality. Multivariable logistic regression was used to control for the potential confounding effects of demographic and clinical variables. For all analyses, P < .05 was used to establish statistical significance. ResultsIn bivariate analysis, patients managed with EGD were more likely than those managed with ETI to have an in-ED traumatic arrest (36.5% vs 17.1%; P = .005), but eventual hospital mortality did not significantly differ between the 2 groups (75.7% vs 67.1%; P = .228). After controlling for demographic and clinical characteristics, patients managed with EGD were no more likely than patients managed with ETI to experience traumatic arrest in the ED (adjusted odds ratio, 1.67; 95% confidence interval, 0.72-3.89), and there was also no difference in overall hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio, 0.912; 95% confidence interval, 0.36-2.30). ConclusionIn this preliminary, retrospective analysis, we found no difference in overall survival among trauma patients managed with prehospital EGD and those managed with prehospital ETI.

Comparison of the TruView PCD video laryngoscope and macintosh laryngoscope for pediatric tracheal intubation by novice paramedics: a randomized crossover simulation trial.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether the TruView video laryngoscope (TruView) facilitates pediatric endotracheal intubation (ETI) more quickly and safely than conventional Macintosh laryngoscope (MAC) in three manikin-based airway scenarios. This was a randomized crossover manikin study including 120 novice paramedics. The participants performed tracheal intubations using both TruView and MAC on a pediatric manikin in a control scenario (A), chest compression scenario (B), and chest compression cervical stabilization scenario (C). The sequence of scenarios was randomized. The primary outcome was time to intubation. Secondary outcomes were overall success rates, incidence of dental trauma, and ease of intubation. All intubation attempts were assessed by a trained assistant. The overall success rate was significantly higher with the TruView compared than the MAC in scenario B (100 vs. 81.7 %; p = 0.011) and scenario C (100 vs. 68.3 %; p < 0.001). The intubation time was significantly lower with the TruView than the MAC (18.5 vs. 24.3 s, p = 0.017, for scenario A; 21.6 vs. 25.7 s, p = 0.023, for scenario B; and 28.9 vs. 45.4 s, p < 0.001, for scenario C). Glottic view quality was better with TruView than the MAC in all scenarios, p < 0.001.Conclusions: The TruView offers better intubation conditions than the MAC on a pediatric manikin in the control scenario, chest compression scenario, and chest compression scenario with cervical stabilization scenario. The TruView may be used to elevate the epiglottis for orotracheal intubation. Further clinical studies are necessary to confirm these initial positive findings.Trial Registration: clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT02289872. What is Known: •Prehospital pediatric intubation using a standard laryngoscope is varied and ranges from 63.4 to 82 %. What is New: •This is the first study showing efficiency of pediatric endotracheal intubation using the TruView PCD by paramedics in tree simulation scenarios. •TruView PCD offers better pediatric intubation conditions than the Macintosh laryngoscope.

One-year outcome after prehospital intubation.

The aim of physician staffed emergency medical services (EMS) is to supplement other EMS units in the care of prehospital patients. The need for advanced airway management in critical prehospital patients can be considered as one indicator of the severity of the patient's condition. Our primary aim was to study the long-term outcome of critically ill patients (excluding cardiac arrest) who were intubated by EMS physicians in the prehospital setting. Data of 845 patients, whose airways were secured by the EMS physicians during a 5-year (2007-2011) period, were retrospectively evaluated. After exclusions, the outcome of 483 patients (8.9% of all patients treated by EMS) was studied. Evaluation was based on hospital patient records 1 year after the incident. For assessment of neurological outcome, a modified Glasgow Outcome Score (GOS) was used. Time and cause of death were recorded. 55.3% of the study patients had a good neurological recovery (GOS 4-5) with independent life 1 year after the event. The overall 1-year mortality (GOS 1) was 35.0%. Poor neurological outcome (GOS 2-3) was found in 9.7% of the patients. Patients with intoxication or convulsions survived best, while those with suspected intracranial pathology had the worst prognosis. Of all survivors, 85% recovered well. The majority of the study patients had a favourable neurological recovery with independent life at 1 year after the incident. More than 80% of all deaths occurred within 30 days of the incident.

Preoxygenation Reduces Desaturation Events and Improves Intubation Success

ObjectiveOxygen desaturation occurs frequently in the course of prehospital rapid sequence intubation (RSI) and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Preoxygenation with positive pressure ventilation by bag valve mask may delay the onset of desaturation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate implementation of a targeted preoxygenation protocol including the use of positive pressure ventilation on desaturation events and intubation success during air medical RSI. MethodsThe RSI air medical program airway training model was modified to target an oxygen saturation as measured by pulse oximetry value of ≥ 93% before initial laryngoscopy. A review of oxygen saturation as measured by pulse oximetry tracings was performed for 2 years before and 2 years after implementation of this protocol. The incidence of desaturation events and overall intubation success rates were compared before and after the intervention. ResultsOne hundred fifty-five RSI procedures were evaluated over the study period. Desaturation events decreased from 58% in the 2 years before algorithm changes to 28% in the first year and 14% in the second year after implementation (P < .01). Intubation success rates increased from 89% to 98% (P < .01). There were no self-reports of aspiration events during the study period. ConclusionA preoxygenation protocol dramatically reduced the incidence of desaturation events and increased intubation success without an increase in the number of reported aspiration events.

Incidence of difficult airway situations during prehospital airway management by emergency physicians—A retrospective analysis of 692 consecutive patients

IntroductionIn the prehospital setting, advanced airway management is challenging as it is frequently affected by facial trauma, pharyngeal obstruction or limited access to the patient and/or the patient's airway. Therefore, incidence of prehospital difficult airway management is likely to be higher compared to the in-hospital setting and success rates of advanced airway management range between 80 and 99%. Methods3961 patients treated by an emergency physician in Zurich, Switzerland were included in this retrospective analysis in order to determine the incidence of a difficult airway along with potential circumstantial risk factors like gender, necessity of CPR, NACA score, GCS, use and type of muscle relaxant and use of hypnotic drugs. Results692 patients underwent advanced prehospital airway management. Seven patients were excluded due to incomplete or incongruent documentation, resulting in 685 patients included in the statistical analysis. Difficult intubation was recorded in 22 patients, representing an incidence of a difficult airway of 3.2%. Of these 22 patients, 15 patients were intubated successfully, whereas seven patients (1%) had to be ventilated with a bag valve mask during the whole procedure. ConclusionIn this physician-led service one out of five prehospital patients requires airway management. Incidence of advanced prehospital difficult airway management is 3.2% and eventual success rate is 99%, if performed by trained emergency physicians. A total of 1% of all prehospital intubation attempts failed and alternative airway device was necessary.