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J Accid Emerg Med 2000;17:95-97 doi:10.1136/emj.17.2.95
  • Original Article

Survey of the use of rapid sequence induction in the accident and emergency department

  1. A Walker,
  2. J Brenchley
  1. Pinderfields Hospital, Aberford Road, Wakefield WF1 4DG
  1. Correspondence to: Dr Brenchley, Specialist Registrar in Accident and Emergency (e-mail: jbrench{at}globalnet.co.uk)
  • Accepted 10 November 1999

Abstract

Objectives—To determine the current position regarding the use of rapid sequence induction (RSI) by accident and emergency (A&E) medical staff and the attitudes of consultants in A&E and anaesthetics towards this.

Methods—A questionnaire was designed that was distributed to consultant anaesthetists and A&E physicians in hospitals receiving over 50 000 new A&E patients per year.

Results—A total of 140 replies were received (a response rate of 72%). The breakdown of results is shown. There was wide difference of opinion between anaesthetists and A&E consultants as to who performs RSI at present in their A&E departments, however two thirds of anaesthetists thought A&E staff with appropriate training and support should attempt RSI either routinely or in certain circumstances.

Conclusions—A&E staff in several hospitals routinely undertake RSI and the majority of A&E consultants thought that RSI would be undertaken by A&E staff if an anaesthetist were unavailable. There is disagreement regarding the length of anaesthetic training required before A&E medical staff should undertake RSI.

Footnotes

  • Conflict of interest: none.

  • Funding: none.

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