retrograde intubations and other options

["Jason E Babcock" <mbabcock@gt.rr.com>]

I just completed the CCEMT-P course and the instructors were advocates of retrograde intubation.  I have seen this attempted several times by physicians in the ED and have not seen one work yet.  The problem is that the person performing the procedure never has the proper guide wire or equipment and is not versed in proper technique.  There is another intubation tool that I feel would be very beneficial in the pre-hospital setting (I have nothing to do with this company) and it is a seeing sty let.  This is a sty let that is a bronchoscope.  It can be utilized with a optical laryngoscope handle.  It is small, not cumbersome and I feel it would be a wonderful option.  The Air Medical Service I currently work for just purchased one and we are going to put it to the test.  I have used them on models but not real people.  I will let you know about the results. 

 

I think retro intubation is a less invasive procedure than surgicalcrics.  However having the proper equipment and training is imperative.

 

Jason E Babcock MSN, ENP, RN, LP, CEN, CCEMT-P

PS I am not the best speller in the world, sorry.