Retrospective Analysis of out-of-Hospital Paediatric Intubation by a Dutch Helicopter Emergency Medical Service

Abstract

IntroductionLittle is known about the success rate and complications of paediatric endotracheal intubation (ETI) in a prehospital setting by a Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS). The Rotterdam HEMS provides care for patients of all ages, including paediatric patients. Currently, paediatric patients are involved in 22% of all calls, which makes it a unique service. These calls are for a wide variety for critical illnesses including sepsis, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, respiratory failure, and trauma. The purpose of airway management is to achieve adequate tissue oxygenation and ventilation, while limiting aspiration. One of the key goals of resuscitation and critical care is to establish and maintain a patent airway by endotracheal intubation [1,2]