This is a multi-center, unblinded RCT that took place at 9 different sites (8 intensive care units and 1 emergency room) of critically ill adults (≥ 18 years) undergoing tracheal intubation. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either a 500mL intravenous infusion of crystalloid solution prior to undergoing intubation or no fluid. In all, 337 patients were randomized with a total of 165 participants assigned to the group that did receive a fluid bolus and 167 participants in the group that did not receive fluid. The primary outcome was a composite of cardiovascular collapse including: SBP < 65, a new or increased need for vasopressor support, cardiac arrest within 1 hour, or death within 1 hour. The study found that:

• 33 (20%) of participants who received the crystalloid fluid bolus experienced the primary outcome while 31 (18%) of participants who did not receive fluid experienced the primary outcome
• additionally it was found that receiving 500mL of IV fluid prior to intubation had a negative impact on patients not receiving positive pressure ventilation prior to intubation
• alternatively a 500mL IV fluid bolus had a positive impact on participants that did receive positive pressure ventilation prior to intubation
• the article concluded that the administration of 500mL of IV fluid prior to tracheal intubation had no overall affect on cardiovascular collapse

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