Optimize Patient Outcomes with Good Post-Intubation Management Methods

Methods to optimize patient outcomes When making a choice for both analgesics and sedatives, one should be guided by the patient’s clinical condition and anticipated clinical course. Photos courtesy Ryan Hodnick As EMS providers, we’re commonly called upon to transport the critically ill or injured intubated patient. It’s easy to focus on the intubation procedure, but pre- and post-intubation management are just as important. What we do before the actual act of intubation, resuscitation, pre-oxygenation really matters. The initial management of these patients can have a significant impact on both their hospital stay as well as their eventual outcome.That’s why the best post-intubation management should always begin with a solid sedation and analgesic package. From the patient’s perspective, having a large piece of plastic in their throat can be psychologically & physically painful. Sedation & Analgesia From the patient’s perspective, having a large, inflated piece of plastic in their throat can be psychologically uncomfortable and physically painful. Our natural means of breathing is via negative pressure ventilation through chest wall and diaphragmatic expansion. As EMS providers, however, we deliver ventilation to our patients via positive pressure ventilation. Positive pressure ventilation is anything but natural, and it can be unsettling to the conscious or under-sedated patient.
Source: JEMS Patient Care - Category: Emergency Medicine Authors: Tags: Airway & Respiratory Patient Care Source Type: news