Performance characteristics and complications of an Inter-Changeable Operator Model for intubation in an Australian helicopter emergency medical service.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

The Inter-Changeable Operator Model (ICOM) enables paramedics and flight nurses to perform intubations interchangeably with team physicians in prehospital critical care. However, literature on ICOM characteristics and performance is limited.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective, observational study of an ICOM operating within an Australian Helicopter Emergency Medical Service over a nine-year period. First pass success, major complication rates and clinically important time intervals were compared between first intubator groups.

Results

A total of 413 patients met the inclusion criteria, with paramedics performing the majority of first intubation attempts (379/413, 91.8%). Physicians primarily conducted second intubation attempts and managed high-risk patien

SUBMITTER: Garner AA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12046207 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature