The Journal of air medical transport
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In an attempt to determine outcome, this study reviewed the records of air medical patients undergoing prehospital cricothyrotomy (CRIC) from 1987 through 1989. The study included initial airway management, Trauma Score (TS) before and after CRIC and on arrival to the hospital, outcome, and initiator of airway--either emergency medical services (EMS) or LifeFlight air medical crew (LF). There were 68 CRIC in 3285 completed missions (2%). ⋯ Prehospital CRIC appeared safe and complications were infrequent. The CRIC, once placed, remained the airway of choice in most patients. The eventual outcome in this population suggested serious injury with the majority of patients (69%) dying.