Abstract:
Paramedic clinical decision making (CDM) surrounding emergency airway management
of the critically ill or injured patient in the pre-hospital environment is poorly understood.
In order to deliver pre-hospital care effectively it is necessary to understand how
paramedics make clinical decisions in this area and determine what influences clinical
practice. This study primarily investigated the factors influencing paramedic CDM in the
context of advanced emergency airway management with specific focus on the newly
introduced skill of rapid sequence intubation (RSI). An evaluation of the correct application of RSI guidelines, the determination of the need for their review and the identification of measures to enhance CDM around RSI were secondary research questions.
Description:
Thesis (M.Tech.: Emergency Medical Care)-Dept. of Emergency Medical Care and Rescue, Durban University of Technology, 2008. xii, 301 leaves, Annexures A-0 to A-7
