Evaluation of Alternative Airway Devices in University and Educational and Research Hospital Emergency Departments in Turkey

Abstract

Aim: This study aims to assess the presence of alternative airway devices (AAD) in emergency departments (ED) of university and educational and research hospitals in Turkey. Thus, the instrument choices and application status and the qualifications of EDs were determined in this era. Materials and Methods:Survey forms were sent via emails to emergency physicians who were working in university and educational and research hospitals that provided specialized training in emergency medicine. These surveys comprised questions regarding intubation frequencies, name of AADs, application status, and capnography and ventilator presence. Data were evaluated with SPSS and Medcalc statistical packet programs.Results: Of a total of 51 hospitals that participated in this study, 47% were university hospitals and 53% were educational and research hospitals. The laryngeal mask airway was the most common AAD; only 13 (25.4%) EDs stored at least one supraglottic airway, one videoscopic imaging system, and surgical airway instrument. Conclusion:It was concluded that the rate of the presence of AAD and capnography in our EDs were low, and increasing the frequency of the presence of alternative airway devices is essential to reduce mortality and morbidity in EDs where difficult airway cases are frequently observed. (Eurasian J Emerg Med 2015; 14: 192-6)