Paramedic Rapid Sequence Intubation: a Framework for Decision Making

Clinical decision making is a complex process whereby practitioners determine the type of information they collect, recognise problems according to the indicators identified during information gathering, and decide upon appropriate interventions to address those problems. In an emergency environment, swift yet precise decision making is required to ensure that the patient gets the optimal treatment. This may be easier said than done, as there are many confounding factors that may influence these clinical decisions in the out-of-hospital environment. The goal then is to answer the main identifiable question as to what factors influence the paramedic's decision to perform rapid sequence intubation, when faced with a critically ill or injured patient that requires definitive airway management. This book provides a new conceptual framework to better understand paramedic decision making in emergency airway mangement and should help illuminate the stark reality of the out-of-hospital environment where serious decision making must take place.