Effect of varied training techniques on field endotracheal intubation success rates

A pool of 146 mobile intensive care unit paramedics was divided into four equal groups and trained in the technique of direct laryngoscopic endotracheal intubation of cardiac arrest or deeply comatose patients. Group 1 was selected from supervisors and crew chiefs and trained as preceptors. The remaining paramedics were assigned to three other study groups. Groups 1 and 2 were trained with a didactic presentation followed by manikin practice, an animal laboratory exercise, and operating room experience. Group 3 had no OR experience; Group 4 had only didactic/manikin training. Intubations were observed by preceptors on scene. During the study period of 27 months, 689 of 763 patients (90.3%) were successfully intubated by 122 paramedics. While results suggest variation in skill levels according to training group (Group 1, 92.4%; Group 2, 87.6%, Group 3, 83.3%; Group 4, 76.9%), statistical analysis allowing for the variables of seniority and number of intubations performed by personnel failed to reveal differences in groups attributable to training programs. Complication rates were relatively low for all groups, the most common being prolonged intubation attempts. A significant improvement in the skill was seen as the study progressed when groups are pooled and compared. The findings suggest that endotracheal intubation of deeply comatose or cardiac arrest patients is a field procedure that can be performed safely and skillfully by well-monitored paramedical personnel. Operating room or animal laboratory experience may increase initial success levels, but these factors do not appear to greatly influence eventual performance or incidence of complications of the procedure.