Summary:
INTRODUCTION: Emergency airway management is a major challenge for physicians
and paramedics. Safe practice requires a rapid assessment of the patient’s
clinical status and potential life-threat, coupled with an understanding of the
risks and benefits of rapid sequence intubation and other airway techniques.
METHODS: In this manikin study, seventy two paramedics were evaluated in
emergency airway management using endotracheal intubation and two supraglottic
devices, the LMA and I-GEL laryngeal masks.
RESULTS: The success rate was 100% for I-GEL, 95.8% for LMA, and 76.4% for
endotracheal intubation. We found a positive correlation between the rescuers’
performance and their theoretical background, as well as their previous
experience.
CONCLUSIONS: Endotracheal intubation should not be performed by paramedics and
greater emphasis should be given on airway management using supraglottic
devices and especially the I-GEL. Continuing education and training of
paramedics is of major importance, while the effectiveness of educational
programs should be evaluated at regular intervals.
Keywords:
Intubation, Paramedics, Airway, Lma, I-gel
