Assessment of safe endotracheal tube cuff pressures in emergency care - time for change? : scientific letter

To the Editor: Endotracheal intubation is performed in the prehospital and emergency department (ED) environments by advanced life support (ALS) paramedics and emergency doctors. Cuffed endotracheal tubes (ETTs) are used in adults and more recently in children to ensure that the airway is protected, and to prevent air leakage between the wall of the trachea and the ETT during positive-pressure ventilation. Cuffs are typically high volume, low pressure in their design and have a safe working pressure of