Methods. The Los Angeles County Trauma System
Database was queried for all patients > 14 y of age
with isolated moderate to severe TBI admitted between
2005 and 2009. The study population was then
stratified into two groups: those patients requiring intubation
in the field (PHI group) and those patients
with delayed airway management (No-PHI group).
Demographic characteristics and outcomes were compared
between groups. Multivariate analysis was used
to determine the relationship between pre-hospital
endotracheal intubation and mortality.