Alfen: a novel blind intubation device for prehospital medicine – a manikin study

Background Airway management is the priority in medical emergencies. Securing a definitive airway with an endotracheal tube is the gold standard of airway management. In the prehospital setting, there has been a move to the use of supraglottic airway devices due to simplicity of use; however, a definitive airway remains superior in preventing death from airway obstruction, particularly in the context of trauma. The Alfen device is a novel blind intubation device aimed at aiding in securing a definitive airway in the prehospital setting. Methods 157 participants took part in the study, which involved the use of three manikins of varying fidelity. Participants were split into three groups: regular intubators, occasional intubators and those without any prior intubating experience. Participants were asked to intubate after receiving standardised instructions and a demonstration of the device. Intubation attempts were then recorded as either successful or unsuccessful. Results Of 157 intubation attempts, 155 were successful, giving an overall success rate of over 98%. Failed intubation attempts were performed by operators who had never intubated before. Conclusion The Alfen device can be used to successfully intubate a manikin by operators with different levels of airway experience.