Effects of Transport Team Composition on Neonatal Intubation Success.
Air Medical Journal · 2025-10-13 · Observational study
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Neonatal transport is necessary to move the smallest and sickest patients. Transport team configuration can vary among institutions. One major concern with varied team composition is the ability to intubate neonates. This study investigates team composition effects on neonatal intubation success when performed by a neonatal nurse practitioner (NNP) or critical care transport (CCT) registered nurses (RNs) and paramedics. METHODS: Neonates <4 weeks of age who were intubated on transport between 2016 and 2023 were analyzed by retrospective chart review. Intubation success and number of attempts were compared between NNP and CCT, while controlling for confounding factors such as birth weight, age, and use of premedication or video laryngoscope. RESULTS: A total of 111 neonates were included in the study with 119 intubation procedures by transport team members. There was no difference in the overall intubation success rate between the NNP and CCT with an average of 84% (P = .68). An increase in first-attempt success rate with the CCT was found, which was not significant after controlling for the use of premedication and video laryngoscope. CONCLUSION: During the study period, neonatal intubation success on transport did not differ when comparing NNP with CCT. This result supports staffing neonatal transport teams based on staffing availability.
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Tags
Helicopter & air ambulance · Interfacility & critical care transport · Endotracheal intubation · Neonates · Paramedics & EMTs
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