The effect of a multi-faceted quality improvement program on paramedic intubation success in the critical care transport environment: a before-and-after study

Abstract

Introduction Endotracheal intubation (ETI) is an infrequent but key component of prehospital and retrieval medicine. Common measures of quality of ETI are the first pass success rates (FPS) and ETI on the first attempt without occurrence of hypoxia or hypotension (DASH-1A). We present the results of a multi-faceted quality improvement program (QIP) on paramedic FPS and DASH-1A rates in a large regional critical care transport organization. Methods We conducted a retrospective database analysis, comparing FPS and DASH-1A rates before and after implementation of the QIP. We included all patients undergoing advanced airway management with a first strategy of ETI during the time period from January 2016 to December 2021. Results 484 patients met the inclusion criteria during the study period. Overall, the first pass intubation success (FPS) rate was 72% (350/484). There was an increase in FPS from the pre-intervention period (60%, 86/144) to the post-intervention period (86%, 148/173), p < 0.001. DASH-1A success rates improved from 45% (55/122) during the pre-intervention period to 55% (84/153) but this difference did not meet pre-defined statistical significance (p = 0.1). On univariate analysis, factors associated with improved FPS rates were the use of video-laryngoscope (VL), neuromuscular blockage, and intubation inside a healthcare facility. Conclusions A multi-faceted advanced airway management QIP resulted in increased FPS intubation rates and a non-significant improvement in DASH-1A rates. A combination of modern equipment, targeted training, standardization and ongoing clinical governance is required to achieve and maintain safe intubation by paramedics in the prehospital and retrieval environment.

Infusionswärmer zur Hämotherapie in der Notfallmedizin: Ist die schnelle Gabe gewärmter Blutprodukte prähospital möglich?

“…Einschränkend muss angemerkt werden, dass im Rahmen des Projekts HeliBlut aktuell keine Aussagen bezüglich des Patienten-Outcomes nach Transfusion von 2 Erythrozytenkonzentraten in der Präklinik getroffen werden kann, somit kann die Relevanz der Flusslimitation nicht endgültig beurteilt werden. Hier sollen weitere Daten über die Indikationsstellung, Durchführung, Probleme, Effektivität und Kosten der präklinischen Applikation von Blutprodukten erhoben werden 13 14 15 .…”

Transitions in Video Laryngoscope Technology to Improve First-Pass Success

“…In the United States, prehospital median FPS was 87% for physicians and 70% for nonphysicians. 7 The correlation between provider experience and FPS is well-established. 8 Flight providers may be limited by a low frequency of live intubation opportunities.…”

“…Other studies found that Canadian critical care paramedics achieved an overall FPS of 72%. In the United States, prehospital median FPS was 87% for physicians and 70% for nonphysicians 7…”