A stab in the dark! Are you ready to perform needle cricothyroidotomy?
The objective of this study was to assess the availability of pre-prepared equipment for needle cricothyroidotomy, and the knowledge of staff in its use in Accident and Emergency (A&E) departments in Great Britain. A telephone survey was undertaken of all A&E departments seeing more than 30,000 new patients per year. 184 hospitals were contacted. 98% of the doctors agreed to be interviewed. 47% of the departments had made provision for immediate use of needle cricothyroidotomy. 45% of the doctors interviewed were fully conversant in the use of needle cricothyroidotomy. Provision of equipment for immediate use of needle cricothyroidotomy in A&E departments is generally inadequate. All departments should ensure that such equipment is immediately accessible, and that the staff is regularly trained in its use.
Davies
P
P
Cheltenham General Hospital, UK. carophil@primex.co.uk
D000402:Airway Obstruction / Q000601:surgery*; D002983:Clinical Competence; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital / Q000592:standards*; D004638:Emergency Treatment / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008505:Medical Staff, Hospital / Q000193:education / Q000592:standards*; D009339:Needles / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D013957:Thyroid Cartilage / Q000601:surgery*