Air medical journal
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Air medical journal · Jan 2003
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialUse of the endotracheal tube introducer as an adjunct for oral tracheal intubation in the prehospital setting.
To prospectively evaluate the effectiveness of the endotracheal tube introducer (ETTI) versus standard orotracheal intubation (SOTI) in the prehospital air medical setting. ⋯ In this study, the authors found the ETTI to be a safe airway adjunct with results equal to SOTI. The ETTI may have a useful role in prehospital airway management.
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Unintended misplacement or removal of the endotracheal tube (ETT) complicates the care of up to 18% of intubated patients. This project analyzed the incidence of such complications in patients transported by a flight program. ⋯ Flight teams have very low rates of unplanned extubation or undetected ETT misplacement when transporting intubated patients.
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The intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) has evolved into an easily transported, computer-driven device for invasively assisting circulation. This article reviews the use of the IABP during interfacility patient transport by air. ⋯ We also identify the complications of intra-aortic balloon pumping, such as hemorrhage, loss of trigger signals, cardiac arrest, and atmospheric pressure changes, and offer solutions. The effective clinical use of IABP in the air transport environment involves more than familiarity with the device and implications for its use; rapid identification of problems and implementation of solutions are required for successful transport and patient outcomes.