Loading...
To characterize intubation practice in Scotland, researchers conducted a 4-month prospective observational study of urgent and emergent intubations performed outside the operating room and in the absence of cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Critical care physicians at 22 of the nation's 24 adult intensive care units (ICUs) recorded data on a standardized form for 2260 ICU patients who were intubated during their hospital stay; complete data were available for 710 patients (mean age, 54).
Most intubations occurred in ICUs (70%) and emergency departments (18%). Overall, 91% of tracheal intubations were successful on the first attempt. Difficult airway predictors (obesity, cervical spine immobilization, grade 3 or 4 Mallampati view, reduced mouth …