Alfentanil versus fentanyl for emergency department rapid sequence induction with ketamine: A-FAKT, a pilot randomized trial

Fentanyl is often administered during rapid sequence induction of anesthesia (RSI) in the emergency department (ED) to ameliorate the hypertensive response that may occur. Due to its more rapid onset, the use of alfentanil may be more consistent with both the onset time of the sedative and the commencement of laryngoscopy. As such, we compared the effect of alfentanil and fentanyl on post-induction hemodynamic changes when administered as part of a standardized induction regimen including ketamine and rocuronium in ED RSI.