A Kumamoto model of clinical training in tracheal intubation for paramedics

BACKGROUND: Since July 2004, the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare approved certified paramedics to perform emergency prehospital tracheal intubation. A specialized training system in tracheal intubation has been established in Kumamoto Prefecture. METHODS: The Kumamoto Prefectural Medical Control Organization, a tracheal intubation task force was established: consisting of the departments of Anesthesiology at Kumamoto University and 11 other major hospitals, along with Kumamoto Prefecture and the 14 prefectural fire-departments. This group published the Kumamoto training guidelines and a training system for paramedics. RESULTS: Kumamoto Prefecture appealed for support of paramedic activity on television and in newspapers as public education. The prefectural governor officially asked hospitals to train paramedics. Because 9 of the 14 fire-departments had no regional teaching hospital, trainees were matched with other hospitals by the task force. The task force published a pamphlet to inform surgical patients about tracheal intubation training and to recruit patients as practice volunteers. Anesthesiologists undertook significant roles in making arrangements to facilitate the project at their hospitals, in addition to teaching paramedics prior to surgical procedures. CONCLUSIONS: The Medical Control Organization, Kumamoto Prefecture, anesthesiologists and emergency response personnel worked together successfully to promote the training program for clinical tracheal intubation by paramedics.