The international surgical journal with global reach

This is the Scientific Surgery Archive, which contains all randomized clinical trials in surgery that have been identified by searching the top 50 English language medical journal issues since January 1998. Compiled by Jonothan J. Earnshaw, former Editor-in-Chief, BJS

Prehospital rapid sequence intubation improves functional outcome for patients with severe traumatic brain injury: a randomized controlled trial. Ann Surg 2010; 252: 959-965.

Published: 4th April 2011

Authors: Bernard S, Nguyen V, Cameron P, Masci K, Fitzgerald M, Cooper DJ et al. et al.

Conclusion

Some 312 patients in coma were randomized to immediate intubation or transfer to hospital. There was no difference in survival or hospital stay, but patients who were intubated immediately had improved function scores (Glasgow Outcome Scale 5-8) after six months: 51 vs. 39 per cent, P=0.046.

Pubmed Link