This case involves a 46-year-old male who presented to the emergency room after experiencing a severe episode of respiratory distress at a local store. Upon arriving at the ER, the patient decompensated further into total respiratory arrest at which point CPR was initiated. The emergency room physicians were unable to intubate the patient and also unable to gain IV line access due to an extremely low blood pressure. After multiple failed attempts at obtaining airway access via endotracheal means, a cricothyroidotomy approach was utilized. Adequate levels of oxygenation were never able to be reached via this ventilation method and it was at this point that anesthesiology was called. The anesthesiologist was able to successfully intubate the patient on the second try but ultimately the patient did not recover from the long term oxygen deprivation and died shortly after successful airway placement.
Question(s) For Expert Witness
1. Would this patient have been better served if the physicians on his case called anesthesia soon after they identified him as a difficult intubation?
Expert Witness Response E-000123
Any time there is a difficult intubation the attending physician running the code should have a contingency plan in the works. At most institutions, the anesthesia team is alerted when there is a code anywhere in the hospital and they come to assist in such instances. The fact that the physician waited some time to call for help is not in the best interests of the patient.
About the author
Michael Talve, CEO
Michael Talve stands at the forefront of legal innovation as the CEO and Managing Director of Expert Institute. Under his leadership, the Expert Institute has established itself as a vital player in the legal technology arena, revolutionizing how lawyers connect with world-class experts and access advanced legal technology. Michael's role involves not only steering the company's strategic direction but also ensuring the delivery of unparalleled intelligence and cutting-edge solutions to legal professionals. His work at Expert Institute has been instrumental in enhancing the capabilities of attorneys in case preparation and execution, making a significant impact on the legal industry's approach to expert consultation and technological integration. Michael's vision and execution have positioned the Expert Institute as a key facilitator in the intersection of law and technology.
