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International Journal of Emergency Medicine

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Open Access 01-12-2014 | Original Research

Endotracheal intubation with a video-assisted semi-rigid fiberoptic stylet by prehospital providers

Authors: Derek R Cooney, Charles Beaudette, Brian M Clemency, Christopher Tanski, Susan Wojcik

Published in: International Journal of Emergency Medicine | Issue 1/2014

Abstract

Background

Emergency medical technicians intubate patients in unfamiliar surroundings and with less than ideal positioning. This study was designed to evaluate advanced life support (ALS) emergency medical technicians' (EMTs) ability to successfully intubate a simulated airway using a video-assisted semi-rigid fiberoptic stylet, the Clarus Video System (CVS).

Methods

ALS EMTs were first shown a brief slideshow and three example videos and then given 20 min to practice intubating a mannequin using both the CVS and standard direct laryngoscopy (DL). The mannequin was then placed on the floor to simulate field intubation at the scene. Each participant was given up to three timed attempts with each technique. Endotracheal tube position was confirmed with visualization by one of the study authors. Comparisons and statistical analysis were conducted using SPSS® Statistics 21 (IBM®). Demographics and survey results were also collected and analyzed.

Results

The median total time for intubation was 15.00 s for DL and 15.50 s for CVS revealing no significant difference between the two techniques (p = 0.425), and there was no significant difference in the number of attempts required to successfully place the endotracheal tube (ETT) (p = 0.997). Demographic factors including handedness and eye dominance did not seem to affect outcomes. Participants reported a relatively high level of satisfaction with the CVS.

Conclusions

ALS EMTs were able to obtain intubation results similar to those of their usual direct laryngoscopy technique when utilizing a video-assisted semi-rigid fiberoptic stylet with very limited instruction and experience with the device. The CVS technique warrants further study for use as an alternative to DL and video laryngoscopy in the prehospital difficult airway scenario.

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Title: Endotracheal intubation with a video-assisted semi-rigid fiberoptic stylet by prehospital providers
Authors: Derek R Cooney
Charles Beaudette
Brian M Clemency
Christopher Tanski
Susan Wojcik
Publication date: 01-12-2014
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: International Journal of Emergency Medicine / Issue 1/2014
Print ISSN: 1865-1372
Electronic ISSN: 1865-1380
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12245-014-0045-0

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Endotracheal intubation with a video-assisted semi-rigid fiberoptic stylet by prehospital providers

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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