Pharmacology for Rapid Sequence Intubation (RSI) Airway Management in Trauma Patients
Caroline L. Ko, PharmD, BCPS, BCCCP¹; Laura Celmins, PharmD, BCPS, BCCCP^2
1University of the Pacific Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy
²UChicago Medicine

The primary survey of every trauma patient begins with ABC: airway, breathing, circulation. If the patient is deemed to require airway management, endotracheal intubation may be performed utilizing rapid sequence intubation (RSI). In RSI, an induction agent and a rapid-acting neuromuscular blocking agent (NMBA or paralytic) are administered and intubation is performed as soon as unconsciousness and paralysis are achieved. Trauma patients may require intubation for a number of reasons. This video review focuses on the pharmacology, dosing, and other considerations for use of common medications for pretreatment, paralysis with induction, and post-intubation management in trauma patients.