Ehrenfeld, Jesse M. MD, MPH

In Response

Salem et al.¹ correctly point out that as rapid sequence induction and intubation (RSII) developed, historically, the first form as described in the 1950s included ventilation before tracheal intubation. While their correction in reference to our study² is appreciated, we believe that the nomenclature as presented in our article should stand because current trainees and recent students of anesthesiology practice are familiar with and make use of the current (not historical) usage and nomenclature. In all of the major anesthesiology texts and recent literature, RSII in the modern day is used to describe intubation before mask ventilation. Therefore, we believe that our description of the modified RSII, in which there is an attempt to ventilate the patient’s lungs before securing the airway, is appropriate.

Jesse M. Ehrenfeld, MD, MPH

Vanderbilt University Medical Center

Nashville, Tennessee

Jesse.ehrenfeld@vanderbilt.edu

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