Emergency tracheal intubation: techniques and outcomes

Respir Care. 2014 Jun;59(6):881-92; discussion 892-4. doi: 10.4187/respcare.02851.

Abstract

Performing emergency endotracheal intubation necessarily means doing so under less than ideal conditions. Rates of first-time success will be lower than endotracheal intubation performed under controlled conditions in the operating room. Some factors associated with improved success are predictable and can be modified to improve outcome. Factors to be discussed include the initial decision to perform endotracheal intubation in out-of-hospital settings, qualifications and training of providers performing intubation, the technique selected for advanced airway management, and the use of sedatives and neuromuscular blocking agents.

Keywords: artificial; emergency treatment; equipment and supplies; laryngoscopes; respiration; respiratory therapy; resuscitation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anesthetics / therapeutic use
  • Clinical Competence
  • Emergency Service, Hospital
  • Emergency Treatment*
  • Humans
  • Hypnotics and Sedatives / therapeutic use
  • Intensive Care Units
  • Intubation, Intratracheal / instrumentation
  • Intubation, Intratracheal / methods*
  • Laryngoscopes
  • Neuromuscular Blocking Agents / therapeutic use
  • Video Recording

Substances

  • Anesthetics
  • Hypnotics and Sedatives
  • Neuromuscular Blocking Agents