PREHOSPITAL INTUBATION UNDER SEDATION WITHOUT PARALYSIS

A double blind, randomised controlled trial compares midazolam with etomidate (without paralysing agents) for facilitating tracheal intubation in the prehospital setting (

) . The measured outcome of successful intubation was approximately 75% in each group. The rates of adverse events were also similar in the two groups. The study has limitations—a success rate of approximately 75% does not compare favourably with other methods of intubation, particularly rapid sequence intubation.

OUT OF HOSPITAL ENDOTRACHEAL INTUBATION, IS IT SAFE OR EFFECTIVE?

Tracheal intubation has been a part of prehospital care for many years. Recent studies have indicated that it does not always achieve its intended goals. A review (

) examines the current evidence through a series of questions exploring the effectiveness, safety and impact on other aspects of care. As a US based review, there is an issue about the extent to which conclusions may apply elsewhere, but it remains thought provoking nonetheless.

DON’T BURP DURING LARYNGOSCOPY

Researchers used cadavers to compare various manaoeuvres employed to try to improve laryngeal view with a curved …