S01E08 Ketamine vs Etomidate for RSI in Critical Illness

In this episode of PRISM Rounds, we break down the NEJM randomized trial comparing ketamine vs etomidate for induction during emergency tracheal intubation in critically ill adults. We focus on what matters at the bedside: 28-day in-hospital mortality, peri-intubation cardiovascular collapse, and practical workflow implications for ICU/ED physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and respiratory therapists. We also discuss the accompanying editorial (if included in your reading list) and how to translate the trial’s uncertainty into safer airway practice.Read the trial (NEJM): https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2511420PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41369227/ClinicalTrials.gov: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05277896TagsPRISM Rounds, Critical Care, ICU, Emergency Medicine, Airway Management, Rapid Sequence Intubation, Ketamine, Etomidate, NEJM, Randomized Controlled Trial, Hemodynamics, Patient Safety