Hemodynamic consequences of ketamine vs etomidate for endotracheal intubation in the air medical setting.

Objective: Recent drug shortages have required the occasional replacement of etomidate for endotracheal intubation (ETI) by helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS), with ketamine. The purpose of this study was to assess whether there was an association between ketamine vs etomidate use as the main ETI drug, with hemodynamic or clinical (airway) end points.

Methods: This retrospective study used data entered into medical records at the time of HEMS transport.