What this survey is:
A 14-day snapshot of real-world RSI practice across the UK. Teams will log actual “user-defined” RSI events and any immediate complications.

​

Why we’re doing it:
To understand current RSI practice across different specialties and clinical areas, and to estimate how often immediate complications occur.

​

Study window
Each site will run the survey for 14 continuous days between 13 April – 25 May 2026.

 

Who takes part
In-hospital intubating teams from anaesthetics, emergency medicine and critical care.
A team member or site lead will log each RSI event (takes 5–10 minutes).
The electronic form will be accessible via QR code or web link.

​

Key Definitions
User-defined RSI: Any intubation considered an RSI or modified RSI by the team, if the inclusion criteria are met.
Immediate complications: Events occurring from induction until 30 minutes after the airway is secured.

 

Inclusion Criteria (all of the following)

• In-hospital (within study site grounds) 

• Patients ≥18 years (known or believed) 

• Performed by anaesthetic, emergency medicine and/or critical care teams 

 

Repeat RSIs in the same patient will be included as a new event 

 

Exclusion Criteria (any of the following)
• Out-of-hospital RSI
• Patients <18 years
• Not performed by anaesthetics, emergency medicine or critical care teams
• Functioning tracheostomy in situ
• Intubation during cardiac arrest

​

What Data are we collecting

1. Situational: timing, location, team roles and grades

2. Patient: demographics, comorbidities, indications

3. Technical: procedure details, drugs, equipment

4. Immediate complications: airway, respiratory, cardiovascular, technical

​