Criswell J C, Parr M J, Nolan J P
Department of Anesthesia, Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) Shock Trauma Center, Baltimore 21201.
Anaesthesia. 1994 Oct;49(10):900-3. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2044.1994.tb04271.x.
A retrospective study of admissions to a Level 1 Trauma Centre, revealed 393 patients with traumatic cervical spine injuries. All 36 patients intubated urgently and 37 and 68 patients intubated between 30 min and 24 h of admission, were intubated orally, following a rapid sequence induction with the application of cricoid pressure and manual in-line stabilisation of the head and neck. There were no neurological sequelae in these 73 patients (95% confidence interval 0-4%). This technique for airway management is described in detail. It is a safe, familiar, and effective method for securing the airway in patients with cervical spine injury.
