Endotracheal intubation in the prehospital phase of emergency medical care
L. M. Jacobs, L. D. Berrizbeitia, B. Bennett and C. Madigan
One hundred seventy-eight endotracheal intubations by paramedics were
reviewed prospectively during a nine-month period; 149 patients (83.7%) had
medical conditions, and 29 (16.2%) had trauma. The endotracheal tube was
successfully placed in 172 (96.6%); in four patients (2.2%), attempts were
unsuccessful, and in two patients (1.1%), the attempt was aborted. There
were no incidences of reported complications. We conclude that endotracheal
intubation can be accomplished successfully outside the hospital by
paramedical personnel. Comprehensive training and continuous medical
control of paramedics' activities seem to be essential requirements for its
success.
