OPTIMIZATION OF GLOTTIC EXPOSURE DURING INTUBATION OF A PATIENT LYINGSUPINE ON THE GROUND

Two methods of endotracheal intubation of patients lying on the ground were compared for ease and speed of intubation and minimization of co mplications in a crossover study of prehospital oriented emergency phy sicians, Intubation of a mannequin was attempted by the physicians in either a left lateral decubitus (LLD) position or a kneeling (K) posit ion, followed by the alternate position, The LLD position afforded mor e rapid intubation, better glottic visualization, and less dental trau ma, Eighty-seven percent of physicians completely visualized the glott is in the LLD position, versus 33% of the K position group, Intubation times were 10.5 versus 14.6 seconds in the LLD and K positions, respe ctively(P <.001), The LLD position is a more effective position (in a mannequin model) than the K position for intubation of patients found lying on the ground, a frequent situation in prehospital care. Copyrig ht (C) 1997 by W.B. Saunders Company.