Rapid Sequence Intubation use Begins June 1
May 31, 2005
New London Ambulance will begin using an advanced patient care procedure called Rapid Sequence Intubation, or RSI, on June 1. The technique helps patients who are having difficulty breathing.
RSI involves two steps. First, sedative medication is given to help the patient relax. This is followed by a second, rapid-acting medication that weakens the involuntary human reflex to resist intubation, which involves placing a tube in the patient’s throat to restore normal breathing.
“The success achieved by New London Ambulance staff in performing Rapid Sequence Intubation stands as one of the group’s greatest achievements thus far,” said Cheryl Seelig, manager of emergency and ambulance services at New London Family Medical Center, which operates New London Ambulance.
RSI may now be used by New London Ambulance paramedics whenever necessary. Previously, the procedure was performed either by emergency room physicians at the hospital, or by flight nurses with ThedaStar air medical helicopter.
Permission from the Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services was required before New London Ambulance could implement the procedure. Paramedics attended intensive training to learn the skill, which can benefit almost any patient regardless of age, illness or injury.
“The use of RSI will bring a greater level of care to the communities we serve,” added Seelig. “We could not have accomplished this without our staff’s dedication to providing advanced airway management.”
New London Family Medical Center is a 25-bed, community-owned hospital, operated by ThedaCare, that serves New London and nearby communities in Outagamie and Waupaca counties. There are 17 active staff physicians, more than 50 subspecialty physician consultants, and 250 employed staff.
For more information, media may contact Wendy Blezek Fleming, account manager of hospital marketing for New London Family Medical Center, at (920) 531-2071, or pager (920) 554-3165; or Megan Wilcox, public relations specialist for ThedaCare, at (920) 830-5847, or pager (920) 554-0730.