Utility of the Pentax-AWS® without interruption of chest compression: Comparison of the Macintosh laryngoscope with the Pentax-AWS® in manikin model

Abstract Background Emergency airway management in suboptimal conditions can result in difficulties in tracheal intubation. The video laryngoscope (Pentax-AWS® ) has potential advantages during difficult tracheal intubations. According to the 2005 guidelines for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), all rescuers should minimize interruption of chest compressions. Our hypothesis is that tracheal intubation using the Pentax-AWS® is possible without interruption of chest compressions. We tested this using tracheal intubation performed by less experienced medical personnel in a manikin model. Methods Thirty-two less experienced (