Comparison of direct intubation and Supraglottic Airway Laryngopharyngeal Tube (S.A.L.T.) for endotracheal intubation during cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Randomized manikin study.

BACKGROUND Airway control is a potentially lifesaving procedure, but intubation by direct laryngoscopy may be difficult. The aim of this study was to assess the success rate of tracheal intubation using the Macintosh laryngoscope and Supraglottic Airway Laryngopharyngeal Tube (S.A.L.T) device. METHODS This is a randomised cross-over study involving 120 paramedics utilising the Macintosh laryngoscope and S.A.L.T. during simulated cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on a manikin. We compared times to successful intubation and intubation success rates for intubation using Macintosh and S.A.L.T. performed by paramedics, during CPR with and without chest compression. RESULTS Mean intubation times for conventional laryngoscopic intubation and S.A.L.T. without chest compressions were 31.52 ± 7.23 s and 17.97 ± 5.33 s, respectively (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Intubation via the S.A.L.T. was more successful than conventional laryngoscopic intubation, regardless of whether chest compressions were interrupted or not.