Rapid sequence induction in the emergency department: a strategy for failure.
BACKGROUND
Rapid sequence induction (RSI) is increasingly used by emergency physicians in the emergency department. A feared complication of the technique is the inability to intubate and subsequently ventilate the patient. Current drills based on anaesthetic practice may be unsuitable for use in the emergency department.


OBJECTIVE
To construct a drill for failed adult intubation in the emergency department.


METHODS
Literature review and consensus knowledge.


RESULTS
A drill for failed adult intubation in the emergency department is given.


CONCLUSIONS
Failure to intubate following RSI in the emergency department is a feared complication. Practitioners must have a predetermined course of action to cope with this event. The guidelines presented here are tailored for use by the emergency physician.
Carley
S D
SD
Hope Hospital, Salford, UK. s.carley@btinternet.com
Gwinnutt
C
C
Butler
J
J
Sammy
I
I
Driscoll
P
P
D000328:Adult; D000465:Algorithms; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital; D006801:Humans; D007442:Intubation, Intratracheal; D019233:Retreatment; D017211:Treatment Failure