Training with video imaging improves the initial intubation success rates of paramedic trainees in an operating room setting

Study objective: Video imaging of intubation as seen by the laryngoscopist has not been a part of traditional instruction methods, and its potential i mpact on novice intubation success rates has not been evaluated. Methods: We prospectively tracked the success rates of novice intubators in paramedic classes who were required to watch a 26-minute instructional vid eotape made with a direct laryngoscopy imaging system (video group). We com pared the prospectively obtained intubation success rate of the video group against retrospectively collected data from prior classes of paramedic stu dents (traditional group) in the same training program. All classes receive d the same didactic airway instruction, same mannequin practice time, same paramedic textbook, and were trained in the same operating room with the sa me teaching staff. Results: The traditional group (n=113, total attempts 783) had a mean indiv idual intubation success rate of 46,7% (95% confidence interval 42.2% to 51 .3%). The video group (0=36, total attempts 102) had a mean individual intu bation success rate of 88.1% (95% confidence interval 79.6% to 96.5%). The difference in mean intubation success rates between the 2 groups was 41.4% (95% confidence interval 31.1 % to 50.7%, P<.0002). The 2 groups did not di ffer in respect ro age, male sex, or level of education. Conclusion: An instructional videotape made with the direct laryngoscopy vi deo system significantly improved the initial success rates of novice intub ators in an operating room setting.