Role of rapid sequence induction for intubation in the prehospital setting: helpful or harmful?

Use of rapid sequence induction for intubation was introduced to the prehospital environment in the hope of enhancing patient outcome by improving early definitive airway management. Varying success has been achieved in both air and ground transport emergency medical services systems, but concern persists about the potential to cause patients harm. Individual emergency medical services systems must determine the need for rapid sequence induction for intubation and their ability to implement a rapid sequence induction for intubation protocol effectively with minimal adverse events. Therefore, the value of rapid sequence induction for intubation is dependent on each emergency medical services system design in their ability to establish personnel requirements and ongoing training, expertise in airway management skills, medical direction and supervision, and a quality assurance program. If these principles are strictly adhered to, rapid sequence induction for intubation may be safely used as an advanced airway management technique in the prehospital setting.