Prehospital Intubation Success with Video vs. Direct Laryngoscopy

In this randomized study, there were no differences in first-attempt or overall intubation success between the two methods when performed by experienced physicians.

Although observational studies have suggested video laryngoscopy (VL) may be superior to direct laryngoscopy (DL) for emergency intubation, randomized studies have not corroborated this (Crit Care 2017; 21:288). To compare success rates in the prehospital setting, researchers in Austria randomized 514 prehospital patients requiring a definitive airway to be intubated with either video or direct laryngoscopy. The study was carried out by Helicopter Emergency Medical Services. Intubations were performed by anesthesiologists or emergency medical services physicians using either a McGrath Mac video laryngoscope or direct laryngoscope with Macintosh-style blades and rapid sequence intubation in most cases.

The overall success rate was 98.5% with…

Reviewing Author

Benton R. Hunter, MD

Disclosures

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesSociety for Academic Emergency Medicine (Chair, Evidence Based Healthcare Interest Group)

Benton R. Hunter, MD

Disclosures

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesSociety for Academic Emergency Medicine (Chair, Evidence Based Healthcare Interest Group)

Prehospital Intubation Success with Video vs. Direct Laryngoscopy

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Reviewing Author