I call BS on this story about medical students messing up intubations because they’ve watched it done incorrectly on ER. This reeks to me of excuse making. I’ve intubated dummies while helping my dad teach trauma surgeons. Doing it “hands on” while someone watches you blows away anything you would learn from watching TV.

Besides … since when do medical students have time to watch TV?

It doesn’t surprise me, however. ER is rather famous in medical circles for its inaccuracies.

On the other hand, this story hails from the socialized paradise of Canada. It wouldn’t surprise me too much if their students are getting inadequate training, given the paucity of doctors and funds. In that circumstance, it’s so much easier to just blame TV.