Validation of the Pentax-AWS Airwayscope as a Prehospital Intubation Device by Korean Level 1 Emergency Medical Technicians; A Simulation Study Using an Airway Training Manikin

PURPOSE: Tracheal intubation in the pre-hospital setting may be lifesaving in severely ill and injured patients. The aim of the current study was to evaluate whether use of the video laryngoscope, when used by Korean level 1 emergency medical technicians, resulted in faster or more secure facilitation of tracheal intubation, compared with the conventional laryngoscope with the immobilized cervical spine lying on the ground. METHODS: Thirty two level 1 EMTs working as 119 rescuers performed tracheal intubation on a manikin using the Macintosh laryngoscope (McL) and the Pentax-AWS(R) airwayscope (AWS) "on-the-bed" and "on-the-ground" in simulations with or without cervical spine immobilization. We compared intubation time, dental injury, and visual analog scale for both types of laryngoscope. RESULTS: In the McL trial, four participants failed on the bed, and 11 failed on the ground with cervical immobilization. In the AWS trial, all participants successfully secured the airway regardless of cervical spine immobilization both on the bed and on the ground. With the AWS, intubation time was not lengthened due to cervical spine immobilization either on the bed or on the ground. The AWS score was better than the McL on the visual analog scale in ease of handling the laryngoscope both on the bed and on the ground. And use of the AWS resulted in the lowest number of dental compressions. CONCLUSION: We conclude that the AWS is an effective and safe device for use in pre-hospital intubation with cervical spine immobilization, not only on the bed but also on the ground, when used by Korean level 1 EMTs. However, conduct of further studies is required in order to validate the clinical relevance of these findings.

The Knowledge and Attitude of Prehospital Care among Emergency Medical Technicians Working at 119 Fire Safety Centers for Patients with Acute Drug Intoxication / 農村醫學 地域保健

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this research is to provide foundational data for reeducation concerning prehospital emergency care in order to improve the performance of emergency medical technicians (EMTs) working at 119 fire safety centers. METHODS: Data were collected using a mail-in questionnaire developed by researchers from 288 subjects, who were EMTs working at 119 fire safety centers and local units in the Gwangju Metropolitan City and South Jeolla Province, from March 1, 2009 to April 31, 2009. RESULTS: The mean score for EMTs' knowledge on drug intoxication was 7.04 out of a total of 10 points. The mean score for EMT's attitude of emergency treatment performance on drug intoxication was 2.96 out of a total of 4 points. The level of EMT's knowledge is relatively high regarding prehospital care for drug intoxication. The EMT's attitude of performances demonstrated an understanding of the patients' conditions. However EMTs did not actively explain the prognosis and medical conditions for their patients. CONCLUSIONS: This research will contribute to making plans for reeducating emergency crew working at 119 fire centers so that can they have a more active attitude towards prehospital emergency medical care.