Ketamine Versus Etomidate for Rapid Sequence Intubation

This study is a randomized controlled trial of etomidate versus ketamine during rapid
sequence intubation (RSI). RSI refers to the process by which patients who require emergency
airway management undergo sedation and paralysis prior to insertion of an endotracheal
tube(airway tube). Patients who require intubation will be randomized to have intubation
performed with either ketamine or etomidate. All other care will be at the discretion of the
treating physicians. The purpose of this study is to compare the efficacy and safety of
ketamine and etomidate during rapid sequence intubation.

Inclusion Criteria:

- 18 years of age

- Undergoing rapid sequence intubation (RSI) in the Emergency Department

Exclusion Criteria:

- Known contraindication to ketamine or etomidate

- Patient has a condition in which an increase in heart rate or blood pressure would be
hazardous, as judged by the treating physician

- Patient is known or suspected of having increased intracranial pressure, based on the
history and physical examination performed by the treating physician.

- Females of child-bearing age, defined as 18-50 years, who do not have a documented
pregnancy test in this institution confirming that they are not pregnant or who do
not have a confirmed surgical procedure preventing pregnancy, i.e., tubal ligation,
hysterectomy. The timing of the pregnancy test at which the investigative team will
consider a subject to be non-pregnant is a documented negative test during current
hospitalization or upon direct transfer from outside institution during current
illness.

- Patient declines participation in the trial by wearing a bracelet marked "KvE
declined"

- Prisoner