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The duties assigned to the PAs were identical to those of housestaff physicians normally appointed to medical intensive care units. Specifically, they included: 1.    Writing stat and routine orders in the medical record after consultation with the rounding physician. Since all orders were preapproved by the physician, they were unrestricted and were carried out promptly by the nursing staff. 2.    Managing patients admitted for observation, as well as patients admitted for intensive therapy. In both situations, the PAs performed the initial physical examination, initiated therapy including administration of fluids, oxygen, antibiotics, blood or other emergency medications and completed the paperwork. The case was then discussed with the attending physician, the abnormalities outlined and therapeutic plan finalized, a process identical to what is normally done when house staff officers are appointed to the unit. 3.    Initiation of cardiopulmonary resuscitation and administration of vasopressors, fluids, antiarrhythmic agents and other lifesaving medications in the case of an emergency. Endotracheal intubation, whether elective or emergency, is usually performed by anesthetists who are readily available.