THE ESOPHAGEAL DETECTOR DEVICE - AN ASSESSMENT OF ACCURACY AND EASE OF USE BY PARAMEDICS

Accuracy, ease and speed of recognition of tracheal tube position were assessed using the oesophageal detector device in a series of 40 test s on 29 patients. A single blind method was used, with each paramedic performing a single test on each patient. The tests were randomly spli t between two groups consisting of those tests performed on the trache al or oesophageal tube respectively. Of the 40 tests performed, 21 wer e on tracheal tubes and 19 on oesophageal tubes. Correct placement was diagnosed with 100% accuracy by the paramedics, none of whom had prev iously used the oesophageal detector device. Each paramedic also grade d speed of recognition of position and ease of use of the device. Reco gnition of position was graded as instant in 37 out of 40 tests. Use o f the oesophageal detector device by previously inexperienced paramedi cs has thus been shown to be accurate, rapid and easy to learn.