Airway management by paramedics using endotracheal intubation with a laryngoscope versus the oesophageal tracheal Combitube and EasyTube on manikins: a randomised experimental trial.

INTRODUCTION: The EasyTube, which is constructed in a similar way to the Combitube, is a recently introduced alternative to tracheal intubation for airway management in emergency medicine.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if there is a difference in rate of, and time to, successful airway placement and ventilation using tracheal intubation, Combitube and EasyTube.

METHODS: Twenty-six paramedics, trained in tracheal intubation received additional training in the use of the Combitube and the EasyTube. Each participant performed all three methods twice in random order on a manikin. Time to successful ventilation (presented as mean and standard deviation) and success rate were recorded.

RESULTS: Mean time to successful ventilation was significantly longer for tracheal intubation (45.2 s (S.D.=15.8)) than for the Combitube (36.0 s (S.D. = 8.6)) p = 0.002 and the EasyTube (38.0 s (S.D.=15.3)) p = 0.023 with no difference between the latter (p = 1.000). Success rate for the Combitube and EasyTube combined (103/104) was significantly higher than for tracheal intubation (45/52) with odds ratio 16.0 (95% CI: 1.9-134); p = 0.002.

CONCLUSION: For paramedics tested on manikins placement success rate was higher with less time required for the Combitube and Easytube than for tracheal intubation with no differences between the Combitube and EasyTube.