Pre-hospital endotracheal intubation in severe traumatic brain injury: ventilation targets and mortality—a retrospective analysis of 308 patients

Abstract

PaCO₂ at hospital admission is strongly associated with mortality risk, but normocapnia is achieved only in a minority of patients. Therefore, the time required for placement of an arterial cannula and prehospital blood gas analysis may be warranted in severe TBI patients requiring on-scene tracheal intubation.