title: Rapid-sequence intubation and the role of the emergency department pharmacist.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, safety, and dosing of medications used during the pretreatment and paralysis with induction steps of rapid-sequence intubation (RSI) and the role of the pharmacist in RSI are reviewed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  RSI is a process involving the administration of a sedative induction agent and a paralytic agent to facilitate endotracheal intubation. This is a procedure in which the emergency department (ED) pharmacist can play an integral role, especially in the steps of pretreatment, paralysis with induction, and postintubation management. The pretreatment phase occurs three minutes before administration of induction and neuromuscular blockers. The purpose of pretreatment is to attenuate the pathophysiologic response to laryngoscopy and intubation. Three minutes after the pre-treatment agents have been administered, paralysis with induction will begin. The purpose of induction is to produce a state of general anesthesia, allowing for the administration of paralytics and facilitation of ideal intubating conditions. It is advisable for the ED pharmacist to be familiar with the steps and medications involved with RSI so that appropriate interventions may be made, facilitating both the successful intubation and the safety of the patient. The relative chaos that may occur during emergent RSI requires the ED pharmacist to have a clearly defined primary plan as well as contingency plans to deal with potential complications. Commonly used medications during intubation include lidocaine, fentanyl, etomidate, midazolam, thiopental, ketamine, succinylcholine, and rocuronium.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The selection of an appropriate sedative and neuromuscular blocker during the pretreatment and paralysis with induction steps of RSI can be facilitated by an ED pharmacist.
authors: School of Pharmacy, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Health Sciences Building, 2464 Charlotte Street, Room 4243, Kansas City, MO 64108-2718, USA. hamptonjp@umkc.edu
authors: Jeremy P
authors: JP
authors: Hampton
mesh_terms: D000779:Anesthetics, Local / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives / Q000008:administration & dosage; D007442:Intubation, Intratracheal / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards*; D009466:Neuromuscular Blocking Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D010595:Pharmacists / Q000592:standards*; D024382:Professional Role; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D000779:Anesthetics, Local; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D009466:Neuromuscular Blocking Agents