Confirmation of airway placement

Abstract

Proper airway management in the pre-hospital setting is essential. Recent data from Orange County, Florida, suggest that the problem of misplaced endotracheal tubes may be greater than previous studies have indicated. Strong medical direction, strict protocols, and active continuous quality improvement programs are needed to ensure that paramedics learn the correct techniques of endotracheal intubation, and that they verify tube placement with an end-tidal carbon dioxide monitor, and maintain ongoing monitoring of tube placement during transport. Key words: emergency treatment; endotracheal intubation; carbon dioxide; airway monitoring.