Comparison of Video Versus Direct Laryngoscopy: A Prospective Prehospital Air Medical Services Study

ObjectiveVideolaryngoscopy (VL) in the prehospital setting remains controversial, with conflicting data on its utility. We compared C-MAC VL (Karl Storz, Tuttlingen, Germany) versus direct laryngoscopy (DL) setting, recording grade of glottic view, first pass success (FPS), overall success, and equipment functionality.MethodsWe conducted a prospective observational study convenience sample 49 adult patients who were intubated by flight crew nurses paramedics using videolaryngoscope from April to November 2013. Cormack-Lehane (CL) grades view for DL VL, intubation rates, functionality.ResultsCL 1 or 2 obtained 24 (49%) 45 (92%) VL. Of 25 (51%) had CL 3 4 DL, 22 those (88%) converted (P < .001). There was an rate 96% FPS 71%. The functional during 100% time.ConclusionVL improved visualization DL. rates similar other published studies provided reliable, high-quality video despite demanding conditions.