A systematic retrospective review was performed using 9 years of data included in the Royal Flying Doctor Service (Queensland Section) electronic database (2004-2013). Coding for mental health as the primary diagnosis and intubation were the search criteria.
A total of 1,478 patients were transferred during the study period, with 44 requiring intubation. This equates to intubation rates of 3.5% before protocol use compared with 2.3% after protocol implementation.
In an Australian air medical service, the implementation of a ketamine sedation protocol for the management of the acutely agitated patient requiring air transfer has reduced the number of intubations in this patient group.