Comparison of the C‐MAC video laryngoscope with direct Macintosh laryngoscopy in the emergency department

This is the first observational study of airway management comparing the C-MAC VL with DL blades in an Australian ED population. Our findings revealed that although the C-MAC VL overall did not provide an enhanced view of the larynx over the Macintosh DL, it was superior to DL when the grade was at least grade III. Currently we are unable to reliably predict the grade by any algorithm prior to intubation. Findings from this study suggest that the C-MAC VL should be considered as the first line laryngoscope in all ED intubations not just the ones predicted to be difficult.