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Scandinavian Journal of Trauma, Resuscitation and Emergency Medicine
Published in: Scandinavian Journal of Trauma, Resuscitation and Emergency Medicine 1/2019

Open Access 01-12-2019 | Airway Management | Guideline

Best practice advice on pre-hospital emergency anaesthesia & advanced airway management

Authors: Kate Crewdson, David Lockey, Wolfgang Voelckel, Peter Temesvari, Hans Morten Lossius, EHAC Medical Working Group

Published in: Scandinavian Journal of Trauma, Resuscitation and Emergency Medicine | Issue 1/2019

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Abstract

Background

Effective and timely airway management is a priority for sick and injured patients. The benefit and conduct of pre-hospital emergency anaesthesia (PHEA) and advanced airway management remains controversial but there are a proportion of critically ill and injured patients who require urgent advanced airway management prior to hospital arrival. This document provides current best practice advice for the provision of PHEA and advanced airway management.

Method

This best practice advice was developed from EHAC Medical Working Group enforced by pre-hospital critical care experts. The group used a nominal group technique to establish the current best practice for the provision of PHEA and advanced airway management. The group met on three separate occasions to discuss and develop the guideline. All members of the working party were able to access and edit the guideline online.

Results

This EHAC best practice advice covers all areas of PHEA and advanced airway management and provides up to date evidence of current best practice.

Conclusion

PHEA and advanced airway management are complex interventions that should be delivered by appropriately trained personnel using a well-rehearsed approach and standardised equipment. Where advanced airway interventions cannot be delivered, careful attention should be given to applying basic airway interventions and ensuring their effectiveness at all times.
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Metadata
Title
Best practice advice on pre-hospital emergency anaesthesia & advanced airway management
Authors
Kate Crewdson
David Lockey
Wolfgang Voelckel
Peter Temesvari
Hans Morten Lossius
EHAC Medical Working Group
Publication date
01-12-2019
Publisher
BioMed Central
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13049-018-0554-6

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