Intubation and mechanical ventilation: knowledge of medical officers at a South African secondary hospital

Abstract

Background: Medical officers frequently need to initiate the management of critically ill patients requiring endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation. The knowledge of hospital-based medical officers at a South African secondary hospital was evaluated on indications for endotracheal intubation and the initiation of mechanical ventilation in adults (defined as persons aged 13 years and older).