Details

Autor(en) / Beteiligte

• Davis, Daniel P.
• Buono, Colleen
• Ford, Janie
• Paulson, Lorien
• Koenig, William
• Carrison, Dale

Titel

The Effectiveness of a Novel, Algorithm-Based Difficult Airway Curriculum for Air Medical Crews Using Human Patient Simulators

Ist Teil von

• Prehospital emergency care, 2007, Vol.11 (1), p.72-79

Ort / Verlag

England: Informa UK Ltd

Erscheinungsjahr

2007

Quelle

MEDLINE

Beschreibungen/Notizen

• Introduction. Airway management is one of the most important skills possessed by flight crews. However, few data exist about the efficacy of various educational approaches. Traditional models for airway training, including cadaver labs, operating room exposure, andclinical apprenticeships, are scarce andoffer variable educational quality. The objective of this analysis was to evaluate the effectiveness of a simulator-based difficult airway curriculum in a large, aeromedical company. Methods. Simulation training was integrated into existing airway training for all crew members; an original difficult airway algorithm was used to guide scenarios. To evaluate its effectiveness, rapid sequence intubation (RSI) success before andafter curriculum implementation was determined. In addition, crew members rated their confidence with various aspects of airway management before andafter exposure to the airway workshops. Results. First attempt andoverall ETI success improved from 71.3% and89.3% before (n = 261) to 87.5% and94.6% after (n = 504) implementation of the algorithm andsimulation training, whereas the incidence of hypoxic arrests during RSI decreased from 2.7% to 0.2% (p < 0.01 for all comparisons). Crew members reported improvements in confidence with regard to all aspects of airway management following participation in the simulation workshops. Conclusions. A novel, integrated airway management curriculum using treatment algorithms andsimulation appeared to be effective for improving RSI success among air medical crews in this program.