Safe transfer of simulation-based intubation skills to patients in cardiac arrest

Background: Studies investigating the transfer of endotracheal intubation skills from simulation training to out-of-hospital patient scenarios are limited. Aims: The aim was to evaluate the outcome of endotracheal intubation simulation training among paramedics and the safe transfer of skills to out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients. Methods: Paramedics participated in a 1-day simulation training course including five Airtraq endotracheal intubation attempts using three different types of mannequins (n=15 attempts). Performance and outcome of transfer of intubation skills to patients were monitored for the next 35 months. European Resuscitation Council international advanced cardiopulmonary resuscitation guidelines (Nolan et al, 2005) were followed to ensure patient safety. Findings: Endotracheal intubation was attempted in a total of 417 patients with OHCA by 51 (96%) of the 53 participating paramedics. In 366 (88%) patients, intubation was successfully performed in the first or second attempt. ...