Upright Versus Supine Positioning in Rapid-Sequence Intubation

While this large database study found no significant difference in first-pass success rates, selection bias may have driven the results.

Providers traditionally perform rapid-sequence intubation (RSI) with the patient in the supine position. However, recent studies have suggested that an incline (nonsupine) position may improve laryngeal views and first-pass success (NEJM JW Emerg Med Feb 15 2017 and Am J Emerg Med 2017; 35:986).

In a secondary analysis of data from the National Emergency Airway Registry, researchers assessed first-pass success stratified by patient position (supine vs. nonsupine). Of 11,480 adult emergency department intubations, nearly all (94%) were performed in the supine position and most were performed with video laryngoscopy (66%). The first-pass success rate was 87% overall and did not differ significantly between supine (87.0%) and nonsupine (87.8%) …

Reviewing Author

Lauren M. Westafer, DO, MPH, MS

Disclosures

Grant/Research SupportNational Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

Editorial BoardsAnnals of Emergency Medicine

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAcademy for Academic Women in Emergency Medicine (Social Media Chair)

Lauren M. Westafer, DO, MPH, MS

Disclosures

Grant/Research SupportNational Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

Editorial BoardsAnnals of Emergency Medicine

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAcademy for Academic Women in Emergency Medicine (Social Media Chair)

Upright Versus Supine Positioning in Rapid-Sequence Intubation

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Reviewing Author