Abstract
Background
Hypoxemia may occur during rapid sequence intubation (RSI). This study establishes
the incidence of this adverse event in patients intubated by physicians in a helicopter
emergency service in Norway.
Methods
This was a prospective, observational study of all RSIs performed by helicopter emergency
service physicians during a 12-month period. Hypoxemia was defined as a decrease in
Spo2 values to below 90% or a decrease of more than 10% if the initial Spo2 was less than 90%.
Results
A total of 122 prehospital intubations were performed during the study period. Spo2 data were available for 101 (82.8%) patients. Hypoxemia was present in 11 (10.9%)
patients.
Conclusions
Prehospital, RSI-related hypoxemia rates in this study are lower than reported rates
in similar studies and are comparable with in-hospital rates. Prehospital RSI may
accordingly be considered a safe procedure when performed by experienced physicians
with appropriate field training.
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Article Info
Publication History
Published online: May 03, 2010
Accepted:
January 21,
2010
Received:
December 20,
2009
Identification
Copyright
© 2011 Elsevier Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
