The debate about which drug to use for sedation prior to RSI will.. just.. not… die. Advocates for both ketamine and etomidate approach the argument with near-religious zeal. There have been studies. We’ve even covered some here. What we need is a systematic review and meta-analysis, preferably using a type of analysis that recognizes that this likely isn’t a black and white question and can bring some.. .nuance to it. That’s were our friend Bayes comes in. Dr. Jarvis is joined by Drs Remle Crowe and CJ Winkler to discuss this paper and what in the hell Bayesian analysis actually is. We get some nice book recommendations in the process. Plus, we check in with ChatGPT for answers.

Oh, BTW... don't take zoological advice from Dr. Winkler. Contrary to his thoughts, Giraffe's do NOT, in fact, have larger hearts than elephants. 

Citations:
1. Koroki T, Kotani Y, Yaguchi T, Shibata T, Fujii M, Fresilli S, Tonai M, Karumai T, Lee TC, Landoni G, Hayashi Y. Ketamine versus etomidate as an induction agent for tracheal intubation in critically ill adults: a Bayesian meta-analysis. Crit Care. 2024 Feb 17;28(1):48. doi: 10.1186/s13054-024-04831-4. PMID: 38368326; PMCID: PMC10874027.
2. Russotto V, Myatra SN, Laffey JG, et al. Intubation Practices and Adverse Peri-intubation Events in Critically Ill Patients From 29 Countries. JAMA. 2021;325(12):1164-1172.

Bonus book recommendations
3. Heller J. Catch-22. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster; 1961.
4. McGrayne SB. The Theory That Would Not Die. How Bayes’ Rule Cracked The Enigma Code, Hunted Down Russian Submarines & Emerged Triumphant From Two Centuries of Controversy. Yale University Press; 2011.
5. Salsburg D. The Lady Tasting Tea: How Statistics Revolutionized Science In The Twentieth Century. Henry Holt & Company; 2001.

FAST24 | June 10 - 12, 2024 | Wilmington, North Carolina
FAST24 is our annual conference for pre-hospital and critical care transport professionals, including nurses, paramedics, and other disciplines. It features engaging workshops, talks by industry leaders, and focused sessions on air and surface critical care transport medicine. The event also offers a unique vendor experience, special guest appearances from notable talent in the industry, catered lunches, as well as relaxing and entertaining networking and social opportunities. Tickets are limited so don’t wait! Visit fbefast.com for more information.