Most emergency department (ED) intubations are to prevent gastric contents aspiration. The incidence of aspiration is unknown and intubation has complications. Balancing these risks requires an idea of the incidence of aspiration. This study assessed one technique for investigating the aspiration risk in ED patients. Cricoid pressure is used to reduce this risk and the technique may also examine this manoeuvre.
School of Medicine, Southampton University School of Medicine, Southampton General Hospital, Tremona Road, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK. babydoc@edspurrier.co.uk