The Current State of Airway Management and Ventilation at the Pre-Hospital Stage by Emergency Medical Technicians.
- Author:
Jae Hyuk KIM
1
;
Jin Seong CHO
;
Yong Su LIM
;
Soo Bock LEE
;
Sung Youl HYUN
;
Jin Joo KIM
;
Gun LEE
;
Hyuk Jun YANG
;
Il RHEU
Author Information
1. Department of Emergency Medicine, Gachon University of Medicine and Science, Korea. truecho@gilhospital.com
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Prehospital airway management;
Emergency medical technicians;
Education
- MeSH:
Airway Management;
Surveys and Questionnaires;
Electronic Mail;
Emergencies;
Emergency Medical Technicians;
First Aid;
Humans;
Korea;
Masks;
Ventilation
- From:Journal of the Korean Society of Emergency Medicine
2011;22(2):129-141
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
PURPOSE: Airway management and ventilation at the pre-hospital stage are essential and very critical to patient welfare. In Korea, however, methods other than the use of a bag valve mask are hardly used at the pre-hospital stage by emergency medical technicians (EMTs). This study survey the current state of airway management and respiratory first aid at the pre-hospital stage. METHODS: A questionnaire survey of 356 EMTs was conducted by distributing questionnaires directly to first-class EMTs who participated in clinical training at emergency centers or by sending questionnaires and receiving answers by E-mail. The questionnaire solicited information concerning general characteristics of EMTs, monthly frequency of pre-hospital airway management of patients and the will of EMTs. Subjects were divided into two groups according to governmental subdivision or presence of training within 1-year. RESULTS: Concerning airway management and ventilation at the pre-hospital stage, the use of methods other than nasal prong and simple mask was very rare. As to the reasons, the respondents mentioned the shortage of manpower and lack of knowledge/experience. There was no significant difference in the ratio of pre-hospital airway management between urban and suburban/rural settings. Training within 1-year was not related to increased enforcement of airway management. CONCLUSION: In Korea, pre-hospital airway management is not well implemented by EMTs. Causes are deficiency of rescuer, less actual patient treatment experience and deficiency of knowledge/experience. Education and work experience can influence pre-hospital airway management. But, most pre-hospital airway management is unaffected by education and work experience.
