The use of the laryngeal tube disposable (LT-D) by paramedics during out-of-hospital resuscitation-an observational study concerning ERC guidelines 2005.
In the current guidelines of the European Resuscitation Council (ERC), tracheal intubation, as an instrument for securing the airway during resuscitation, has become less important for persons not trained in this method. For those persons, different supraglottic airway devices are recommended by the ERC. The present investigation deals with the application of the laryngeal tube disposable (LT-D) during pre-hospital resuscitation by paramedics.


METHODS
During a period of 2 years (2006-2008), we registered all cardiac arrest situations in which the LT-D had been applied according to the ERC guidelines 2005. Therefore, we investigated one emergency medical system in Germany.


RESULTS
During the defined period, 92 resuscitation attempts, recorded on standardised data sheets, were included. The LT-D was used in 46% of all cardiac arrest situations. Overall, the LT-D was successfully inserted in more than 90% of all cases on first attempt. In 95% of all cases, no problems concerning ventilation of the patient were described.


CONCLUSIONS
As an alternative airway device recommended by the ERC in 2005, the LT-D may enable airway control rapidly and effectively. Additionally, by using the LT-D, a reduced "no-flow-time" and a better outcome may be possible.
Wiese
C H R
CH
Department of Anaesthesiology, University Medical Centre Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Strasse 40, D-37075 Göttingen, Germany. cwiese@med.uni-goettingen.de
Semmel
T
T
Müller
J U
JU
Bahr
J
J
Ocker
H
H
Graf
B M
BM
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000488:Allied Health Personnel; D016887:Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation / Q000295:instrumentation*; D002983:Clinical Competence; D004209:Disposable Equipment; D004632:Emergency Medical Services; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany; D006323:Heart Arrest / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D017214:Laryngeal Masks; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic