The effect on video laryngoscope on intubation process during ambulance transport

Abstract

Objective: To compare the effects of VL and DL on intubation time and ease of operation in an ambulance, which is moving in real urban traffic.

Design: Comparative experimental manikin study.

Place and Duration of Study: Urla City Hospital, Izmir, Turkey, from January to May 2019.

Methodology: The paramedics were asked to intubate a standard intubation manikin and manikin with cervical collar with DL and VL in an ambulance that moving in real urban traffic. Intubation time, incisor tooth injury, and the ease of operation data were recorded.

Results: There was a statistically significant difference between the median values of DL and VL intubation times DL:18s/VL:15s in standard manikin and DL:28 s/VL:21 s in manikin with cervical collar (p<0.001). When the ease of operation was evaluated, the median scores of the DL and VL Likert 5 scale were determined in the standard manikin as DL:3/VL:5 and the manikin with collar as DL:2/VL:4

Conclusion: VL significantly decreased the intubation time compared to DL in both normal and difficult airways. The ease of operation provided by VL reduces the negative environmental factors brought by the out-of-hospital environment and ambulance movement for healthcare workers. The use of VL in limited conditions and time, reduces the intubation time and increases the ease of operation compared to DL.