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Paramedic intubation training in a pediatric operating room
D R Brownstein1, L Quan, R Orr
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle.
The American Journal of Emergency Medicine
|September 1, 1992
Summary
Paramedics with adult intubation experience can safely perform pediatric endotracheal intubation in a hospital setting. This supervised training improves pediatric intubation skills and may boost confidence for prehospital emergencies.
Area of Science:
- Emergency Medicine
- Pediatric Anesthesiology
- Paramedic Education
Background:
- Pediatric endotracheal intubation is a critical skill in emergency care.
- Paramedics often have experience with adult endotracheal intubation.
- Limited data exists on paramedic performance in pediatric intubation within a hospital setting.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of paramedics performing pediatric endotracheal intubation.
- To assess the feasibility of incorporating paramedics into pediatric airway management training programs.
- To determine if supervised hospital experience enhances paramedic pediatric intubation skills.
Main Methods:
- Prospective observational study design.
- Nineteen paramedic students attempted endotracheal intubation on 57 anesthetized pediatric patients (6 months to 15.2 years).
- Data collected on intubation attempt duration, success rate, and complications.
Main Results:
- First-attempt success rate for pediatric endotracheal intubation was 74%.
- Average intubation attempt duration was 22.7 seconds.
- Minor complications occurred in 6% of attempts (prolonged duration) and 2% (hypoxia).
Conclusions:
- Paramedics can be safely integrated into supervised pediatric endotracheal intubation training.
- Hospital-based training enhances paramedic pediatric intubation proficiency.
- This experience may improve prehospital pediatric intubation willingness and success rates.