Investigations and Management

The time critical nature of emergency airway scenarios mandates that the team be very familiar with their environment and roles.

A difficult airway trolley should be present with the equipment necessary to follow locally agreed guidelines. This will include alternative airway devices and equipment for establishing a surgical airway.

Its so important to have an easy access to your airway equipment immediately when needed and the best way for this is to be kept in an airway trolley.

A variety of new devices for airway management have been developed in recent years including

  • Fibreoptic stylets
  • Video laryngoscopes
  • Optically enhanced laryngoscopes

Video laryngoscopes vs DIRECT?

The advent of video laryngoscopy has led to some experts stating that it should be considered standard of care (a loaded term) or at least best practice. this had led to vigorous and sometimes heated debate, especially in the emergency medicine community.13

All departments should have access to video laryngoscopy equipment Scott Weingart.14

If a difficult airway is anticipated, the most experienced practitioner available must be present.