Prehospital Intubation Results in Worse Outcomes in Adult Cardiac Arrest Patients

Prehospital intubation was negatively associated with return of spontaneous circulation and survival to discharge.

Although studies in children suggest worse outcomes among those managed with prehospital intubation versus bag-valve-mask ventilation (JW Emerg Med Apr 1 2000), few studies have addressed this issue in adult patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. In a retrospective study of data from an emergency medical services system in North Carolina for 1142 adult patients with cardiac arrest, researchers assessed the association between performance of prehospital endotracheal intubation and return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) in the field and survival to discharge. The decision to attempt intubation was at the paramedics' discretion.

Intubation was not performed in 203 patients. In analysis that controlled for initial arrest rhythm, patient…

Reviewing Author

Diane M. Birnbaumer, MD, FACEP

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory boardSecurisyn

Editorial boardsThe Merck Manuals (Home and Physician Editions)

Diane M. Birnbaumer, MD, FACEP

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory boardSecurisyn

Editorial boardsThe Merck Manuals (Home and Physician Editions)