Preventing Cardiovascular collaPse With Administration of Fluid Resuscitation Before Endotracheal Intubation

Endotracheal intubation is common in the care of critically ill patients. Complications of airway management in this setting are frequently encountered and may be associated with an increased risk of death. The prevention of complications during urgent and emergent endotracheal intubation is a key focus for airway management research. Post-intubation hypotension (PIH), a common complication of endotracheal intubation in the critically ill, may be prevented by a bolus of intravenous fluid prior to the start of the procedure, but this approach has not been examined in a prospective trial. There are no randomized trials of intravenous fluid administration to prevent PIH in critically ill adults. The investigators propose a randomized trial of fluid loading to prevent PIH in critically ill adults.