Retrograde intubation training using a mannequin

The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of a mannequin for training emergency caregivers in the technique of retrograde intubation. This was a descriptive study using duration of time needed for completion of intubation as a measure of success. A cohort of 88 Emergency Medical Service (EMS) personnel included prehospital caregivers, registered nurses, and respiratory care practitioners. Participants were trained in retrograde intubation by modeling. Students practiced before they were tested. Every subject successfully completed intubation on the first timed effort. Subjects performed retrograde intubation in a mean time of 71 seconds (95% confidence interval ± 4 seconds), with a range of 42 to 129 seconds. It was concluded that retrograde intubation can be taught easily with a mannequin and that this skill can be learned by emergency caregivers by modeling. Bag-valve-mask ventilation can be performed at any time without the need to restart or interrupt the procedure. Retrograde intubation can be introduced as an intubation technique for the difficult airway encountered by EMS personnel.