The Airways-2 trial, currently being carried out by 4 NHS trusts, is a trial designed to compare both the cost and clinical effectiveness of Intersurgical’s ‘i-gel supraglottic airway device’ with standard tracheal intubation during the initial airway management of OHCAs (people who have suffered an out of hospital cardiac arrest).
The NHS Trusts that are carrying out the trial include: SWAS (South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust), EastAmb (East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust), EMAS (East Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust), and YAS (Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust).
The randomised trial is being deemed as an important step forward in improving the mortality rate of anyone suffering from a cardiac arrest when not in a place where care is immediately available. Currently, less than 1 in 10 patients survive from suffering an OHCA to later be discharged from hospital. Clean airways are vital for paramedics to be able to perform effective CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) – the best form of treatment available to restart a patient’s heart before they reach the hospital.
Paramedics willing to take part in the trial can register their interest here . Patients should note that, when being treated by paramedics taking part in Airways-2, they will be automatically enrolled in the trial.
Airways-2 is being funded by the National Institute for Health Research. You can read more about this on the NIHR website .