Does medical emergency team intervention reduce the prevalence of emergency endotracheal intubation complications?

PURPOSE: Emergency endotracheal intubation (EEI) is a complex process that leads to various complications. Previous studies mainly demonstrated that the Medical Emergency Team (MET) intervention reduced the incidence of cardiac arrest, however, the impact of a MET on airway management has not been investigated in detail. Our purpose was to confirm the impact of a MET on airway management and compare the incidence of complications of EEI before and after MET intervention in a general ward.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed an observational study and reviewed 318 patients intubated by a MET in a general ward.

RESULTS: The patients enrolled during the control (2007) and study (2009) periods were 103 and 215, respectively. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation requiring emergency intubation in a general ward was reduced after MET intervention at the Asan Medical Center (39.8% vs. 19.1%, p<0.001). Pre-intubation and post-intubation oxygen saturation levels were higher after MET intervention (pre-intubation, 80% before vs. 92% after MET, p<0.001; post-intubation, 95% before vs. 99% after MET, p<0.001). The use of vasopressors after intubation decreased as a result of MET intervention (62.1% before vs. 36.7% after MET, p<0.001). Hypotension was also reduced (34% before vs. 8.8% after MET, p<0.001).

CONCLUSION: Early interventions of a MET changed the causes of emergency intubation in a general ward from cardiopulmonary resuscitation to respiratory distress or shock and improved hypoxemia and hypotension related to emergency intubation. The MET intervention is safe and effective system for emergency intubation in a general ward.