Airflow efficacy of ballpoint pen tubes: a consideration for use in bystander cricothyrotomy. Issue 4 (12th April 2010)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Owens, David; Greenwood, Ben; Galley, Alistair; Tomkinson, Alun; Woolley, Sarah
• Is Part Of: Emergency medicine journal. Volume 27:Issue 4(2010)
• Page Start: 317
• Page End: 320
• Publication Date: 2010-04-12
• Subjects: Airway -- ballpoint pens -- cricothyroidotomy -- emergency -- emergency care system, nursing -- prehospital -- prehospital care -- temporary -- trauma; Emergency medicine -- Periodicals; 616.02505
• DOI: 10.1136/emj.2008.069294
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1472-0205

Abstract

Abstract : Objective: To examine the suitability of commonly available ballpoint pens as a substitute emergency tracheostomy tube. Methods: commonly available ballpoint pens were examined and compared against two standard cricothyroidotomy sets. The pens were evaluated for dimensions, speed of construction of a temporary tracheostomy tube and airway resistance with differing flow rates. Results: Internal diameters of the pens varied considerably. Time taken to construct a temporary tube ranged from 3 to 170 s, and in the majority of pens the airway resistance increased dramatically as the airflow rate increased. Conclusion: Contrary to popular belief, the majority of ballpoint pens appear unsuitable for use as a substitute tracheostomy tube. In this study only two pens fulfilled the criteria for use: the Baron retractable ballpoint and the BIC soft feel Jumbo.