In most places in the United States, emergency medical technicians (EMTs) are not allowed to place intubation tubes. However, certain states do not prohibit intubation by EMTs, so it is still sometimes done, such as in Rhode Island.

Unfortunately, recent research into Rhode Island medical records has shown that in at least a dozen instances in the last three years, EMTs have misplaced endotracheal intubation tubes—and in all instances, the patients died.

In the course of researching cardiac arrests in Rhode Island, an assistant for Dr. Nick Asselin saw the pattern of misplaced breathing tubes leading to patient deaths. Dr. Asselin dug into the issue, and found 11 cases in the state in the previous two and a half years in which a breathing tube had been misplaced, leading to the patient’s death. This put the rate of unrecognized esophageal intubations at about 4 percent, according to his findings.

Endotracheal intubation is when breathing tubes are inserted into the trachea, or windpipe, meant to help patients with lung trauma breathe, open airways to administer oxygen or medicine, clear blockages, and more.

There is another type of intubation procedure called nasogastric or esophageal intubation, in which the tubes are inserted in the esophagus and are meant to remove air from the stomach. If these two procedures are confused—that is, if the tubing is placed in the esophagus rather than the trachea—the patient could, as a result, essentially suffocate to death.

Concerns for EMT Procedures

In March 2019, Dr. Asselin brought the findings and intubation complications concerns to a state panel. The state Health Department’s EMS chief, Jason Rhodes, suggested that the state conform to the more common policy across the country of prohibiting EMTs from placing these tubes, restricting this practice only to paramedics to avoid EMT negligence.

A group of Rhode Island EMS practitioners, municipal fire chiefs, and even a city mayor vehemently disagreed with this position, saying that the “ET tube” saves lives—and that taking it away “would be a sin,” according to one fire chief.

Eventually, the board decided not to restrict the practice to paramedics only, but instead required that any medical provider, whether a paramedic or an EMT, first consider using less invasive procedures prior to inserting a breathing tube, in order to reduce the risk of performing an incorrect intubation procedure.

In a tragic twist of fate, just days after the meeting, another patient was brought to The Miriam Hospital in Providence in an ambulance, suffering from cardiac arrest. The doctor saw that air wasn’t getting to her lungs, and found that the breathing tube had been placed in her esophagus, suffocating her. The doctor removed the tube and reinserted it into the trachea, but it was too late, and the patient died.

Filing an EMT Negligence Lawsuit

Medical malpractice has led to millions in settlements. If someone you love has died after an endotracheal intubation from an EMT, you may be able to file an EMT negligence lawsuit and pursue compensation. Of course, filing a medical negligence lawsuit cannot take away the pain and suffering caused, nor can it bring a loved one back to life, but it can at least help to alleviate the financial burden incurred by medical and funeral expenses, as well as hold those responsible accountable for their actions and inactions.

Filing a lawsuit can be a daunting prospect, especially in the wake of the tragic death of a loved one, so Top Class Actions has laid the groundwork for you by connecting you with an experienced attorney. Consulting an attorney can help you determine if you have a claim, navigate the complexities of litigation, and maximize your potential compensation.

This article is not legal advice. It is presented
for informational purposes only.