RESPIRATION AND THE AIRWAY Advanced airway management is necessary in prehospital trauma patients

Editor’s key points † A prospective observational study of prehospital airway management was conducted in 472 trauma patients. † More than half of patients initially treated by a paramedic team had significant airway compromise on arrival of an advanced care team. † Major complications included failed tracheal intubation, unrecognized oesophageal intubation, and failure to administer oxygen. Background. Treatment of airway compromise in trauma patients is a priority. Basic airway management is provided by all emergency personnel, but the requirement for on-scene advanced airway management is controversial. We attempted to establish the demand for on-scene advanced airway interventions. Trauma patients managed with standard UK paramedic airway interventions were assessed to determine whether airway compromise had been effectively treated or whether more advanced airway management was required.