The author responds

The author responds.

In a recent special issue of RESPIRATORY CARE, Daniel Talmor presented a very nice review of airway management during a mass-casualty event.1 He rightly pointed out that only experienced clinicians should perform intubation in these circumstances, and that training clinicians for the sole purpose of providing intubation during a mass-casualty event is unwise. He also listed anesthesiologists, c...

The author responds

duce the spread of Gram-negative bacteria.1 Meta-analyses have found that many nonpharmacologic interventions can significantly reduce the rate of ventilator-associated pneumonia; these include kinetic bed therapy, subglottic secretion drainage, heatand-moisture exchangers (rather than heated humidifiers), and oral decontamination with chlorhexidine.6 Environmental controls can prevent a large ...

The author responds

1. Shigeoka J. Demand valves for oxygen therapy: your mileage may vary (editorial). Respir Care 2004;(49)2:156–157. 2. Heimlich HJ. Respiratory rehabilitation with transtracheal oxygen system. Ann Otol Rhino Laryngol 1982;91(6 Pt 1):643–647. 3. Christopher KL, Spofford BT, Petrun MD, McCarty DC, Goodman JR, Petty TL. A program for transtracheal oxygen delivery: assessment of safety and efficacy...

Southall: the GMC responds.

Author Index