A descriptive analysis of endotracheal intubation in a South African Helicopter Emergency Medical Service.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) exists to supplement the operations of ground-based emergency care providers, mainly in high acuity cases. One of the important procedures frequently carried out by HEMS personnel is endotracheal intubation. Several HEMS providers exist in South Africa, with a mix of advanced life support personnel, however intubation success rates and adverse events have not been described in any local HEMS operation.

Methods

This was a retrospective chart review of intubation-related data collected by a HEMS operation based in Johannesburg over a 16-month period. First-pass and overall success rates were described, in addition to perceived airway difficulty, adverse events and other data.

Results

Of the 49 cases recorded in t

SUBMITTER: Stassen W 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6277604 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature