Optimizing emergency tracheal intubation techniques

Effectiveness of an Optimisation Strategy for Emergency Tracheal Intubation on Postintubation Morbidity: A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial

NA · University Hospital, Bordeaux · NCT05539391

This study is testing a new way to make emergency tracheal intubation safer for adults in critical condition by using a combination of medications and techniques.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment1500 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Hospital, Bordeaux (other)
Locations22 sites (Angers and 21 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05539391 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate a combined strategy to reduce complications associated with emergency tracheal intubation in adults experiencing vital distress. The approach includes the systematic use of rocuronium as a paralytic agent, bag face-mask ventilation prior to intubation, and the use of a Gum Elastic Bougie (GEB) during the first intubation attempt. Previous studies have indicated that these individual interventions can lower the incidence of peri-intubation complications, but their combined effect has not been assessed. The outcomes will be recorded immediately after the out-of-hospital period and further data will be collected from medical records 28 days post-inclusion.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who require emergency tracheal intubation due to vital distress, excluding those in cardiac arrest.

Not a fit: Patients with contraindications to the medications used or those unable to undergo bag face-mask ventilation will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this strategy could significantly reduce morbidity associated with emergency intubation procedures.

How similar studies have performed: While individual components of this strategy have shown success in previous studies, the combined approach has not been tested before.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patient adult (≥ 18 years) presenting with vital distress requiring emergency tracheal intubation as assessed by the emergency physician in the out-of-hospital setting.
* Patient with all conditions (trauma, dyspnea, coma, overdoses, and shock) except those in cardiac arrest will be included.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patient presenting of a contraindication to succinylcholine, and/or rocuronium, and/or sugammadex (rocunorium antagonist).
* Patient who have contraindication to bag face mask ventilation before intubation (ongoing emesis, hematemesis, or hemoptysis).
* Patient that are not members of a medical aid scheme (beneficiary or main member).
* Patient under specific protection measures: pregnant, parturient or nursing women; legal protection or deprived of liberty: patient under judicial protection, patient under guardianship/curatorship.

Where this trial is running

Angers and 21 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Emergencies, Out-of-hospital Setting, Tracheal Intubation, Out-of-hospital, Intubation, Complications, Vital distress, Rapid sequence intubation

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.