The Journal of air medical transport
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A 5-year retrospective review of airway management by flight nurses was conducted to evaluate airway care and to determine the frequency of surgical cricothyrotomy. Intubation was attempted in 51% of patients, with a success rate of 80%. ⋯ Overall, 87% of patients were successfully intubated and surgical cricothyrotomy was required in only one patient. A greater success rate was achieved when intubations were performed before takeoff than during flight.