Rapid Sequence Airway (RSA)—A Novel Approach To Prehospital Airway Management

Abstract

This article presents a case in which an air medical flight crew encountered a potentially difficult airway when a trauma patient deteriorated in-flight. The crew elected to sedate andparalyze the patient andplace a laryngeal mask airway without a prior attempt at direct laryngoscopy andendotracheal intubation. The term Rapid Sequence Airway (RSA) is coined for this novel approach. This article describes andsupports this concept andprovides definitions of alternative andfailed airways.

Key words::

• prehospital
• airway management
• air medical