Larger dose Rocuronium (2mg/kg) versus standard dose (1mg/kg) Rocuronium for speed of onset of paralysis and quality of intubating conditions in Rapid Sequence Intubation (RSI) in adults having surgery.

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Many patients undergo emergency intubations, also called Rapid Sequence Intubations (RSI), where a breathing tube is placed into their windpipe to provide oxygen to their lungs, both in hospital and at the roadside. To place a breathing tube requires the muscles of the voice box to be paralysed. Which drug and dose is best for this paralysis has undergone much debate and many studies. Rocuronium manufacturers suggest 1mg/kg will suffice to paralyse patients for RSI and this has become current anaesthetic and emergency department standard practice. Studies reveal 1mg/kg Rocuronium paralysis at 60seconds to be ‘adequate’ rather than ‘excellent’ however, as judged by those doing the intubations. Mathematical calculations based on patient data revealed that a dose of 1.8 – 2.3 mg/kg Rocuronium may be needed to achieve ‘excellent’ intubating conditions at 60 seconds in at least 90-95% of people. This study will ask how quickly 2mg/kg Rocuronium works compared to 1mg/kg and if that is better for Rapid Sequence Intubations. The time taken for paralysis effect in muscles can be measured in seconds, and anaesthetists can rate the quality of intubating conditions at 60s. If Rocuronium 2mg/kg proves to be reasonably faster and more effective than 1mg/kg, then this information could change the dose of Rocuronium given not only at prehospital emergency intubations but also in any operating theatre or intensive care unit when speed of action matters.

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