Brocktalk

Dr.Bledsoe posted on Merginet.com that ETI should be stopped immediately based on recent findings. He cites a study that looked at 47? systems that were either large urban or rural with a high number of failure/misplacement /dislodged tubes. Where the study fails is in looking at systems that limit ETI providers in order to increase exposure/experience. It would also be interesting to review the QI/PI program of those services to see if their programs have an intensive research and improvment process. Working in New England for a high volume, hospital based,all paramedic service, we have been performing RSI for 6 years without a single misplacement or dislodged tube. Boston may have the right model in using a small number of medics to increase exposure and allow ED providersto be familiar with the small numbers. In Feb.05 I attended the "Gathering of Eagles" in Dallas and was amazed to hear that Houston has 350 medics and they average 1 ETI every 3 years. I have had shifts with 2-3 and perform on a frequent basis. Oversaturation of ALS, lack of oversight and education, and poorly conducted studies might result in changes. It is unfortunate that a medic isn't driving the bus and we find ourselves once again answering to studies we didn't initiate. It would be nice if "paramedics" started driving our industry and take control of this and many other issues. thanks