Abstract

Aim

Careful and appropriate preparation is essential for a successful intubation. In order to increase the success rate of orotracheal intubation (OTI), it is very significant to position the patient appropriately before intubation. There is no standard approach about stretcher positions in the guidelines. In this study, we aimed to investigate the optimal stretcher height and angle for a successful intubation in first attempt.

Materials and Methods

The study was planned as randomized, controlled and prospective. In the study, 3 different stretcher levels pelvic (P), umbilical (U) and epigastric level and 2 different stretcher angle positions (head angle of 0° and head angle of 30°) were used. OTI success and duration, glottic view and number of attempts to intubate were noted by an independent observer.

Results

As a result, a total of 284 participants, 65.1% (n=185) paramedic and 34.9 % (n=99) medical students, participated in the study voluntarily. Of these, 57.4% (n=163) were women. Of the 284 intubation attempts, 88.7% (n=252) were successful and 11.3% (n=32) were unsuccessful. The groups were examined in terms of intubation success. The most successful group was the U30° group with 96.1%; followed by P30° (94.2%), U0° (90.9%) and P0° (89.6%), respectively (p=0.002).

Conclusion

Checking different stretcher levels and stretcher head positions to establish optimum standards in intubation increases the success of first entry in OTI. This will also reduce OTI complications. Studies on this subject can contribute to updates in OTI standardizations.