Acute epiglottitis in a rural area: experiences with an anesthesiologist-staffed ambulance helicopter

The majority of fatalities due to acute epiglottitis (AE) result from prehospital airway problems. We reviewed the courses of 14 patients with AE treated by an aeromedical team consisting of an anesthesiologist and a paramedic. Eight patients were transported from a physician's office or from the patient's own home. One patient was intubated at the scene, and two received ventilatory support with mask and bag en route to the hospital. Two patients suffered cardiopulmonary arrest before arrival of the aeromedical team, both resulting in severe hypoxic encephalopathy. All six patients transported from hospitals were intubated prior to the helicopter transport. Based on our own experience and a review of the literature, we discuss prehospital airway management in this group of patients.