Performance of endotracheal intubation and rescue techniques by emergency services personnel in an air medical service.

Background: Literature spanning the last two decades has identified potential harm associated with out-of-hospital endotracheal intubation performed by ground paramedics. Previous researchers have reported intubation success rates of 66% to 97% in the air medical setting.

Objective: To examine the success of endotracheal intubation and rescue techniques performed by air medical personnel during the first eight years of operation of the air ambulance service.