Paramedic intubation

Excerpt

One of the most controversial topics in resuscitation science is the inclusion of endotracheal intubation (ETI) within the scope of practice for non-physician providers in the prehospital environment. Unfortunately, the medical literature is unable to provide clear evidence for or against this perspective, leading to tremendous variability in practice throughout the world. To better understand this topic, one must address four separate but related issues: 1) the physiological rationale for early intubation during resuscitation, 2) the inconsistency of published reports addressing this controversy, 3) the possibility that suboptimal performance of ETI and subsequence ventilation can explain a lack of outcomes benefit, and 4) the relationship between provider type, training, and airway skills performance. Each of these will be addressed below. …