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We were all taught succinylcholine is contraindicated in hyperkalemia because it can cause potassium release, exacerbating the problem. But does it? Does it really?Dr. Jarvis discusses a recent paper that seems to compare mortality within 24 hours of RSI in hyperkalemic patients between those intubated with succ or rocuronium. And then we discuss methods.. including the Table 1 Fallacy. Citations:1. Simmer PE, Perza M, Cho YD, et al.: Hyperkalemic emergency department patients intubated with rocuronium or succinylcholine: Retrospective study of clinical outcomes. The American Journal of Emergency Medicine. 2026; February;100:154–64.2. Cole JB, Knack SKS, Driver BE: The value of P-values in “Table 1.” The American Journal of Emergency Medicine. 2026; February;100:182–6.3. Pappal RD, Roberts BW, Mohr NM, et al.: The ED-AWARENESS Study: A Prospective, Observational Cohort Study of Awareness With Paralysis in Mechanically Ventilated Patients Admitted From the Emergency Department. Ann Emerg Med. 2021;77(5):532–44.4. ‘Rick & Jerry’ Pass the Baton | Emergency Physicians Monthly. Available at https://epmonthly.com/article/rick-jerry-pass-the-baton/. Accessed January 25, 2026.
