Airway management

Indications are basically four (Paint P!)

  1. Patency (to keep the Airways open)
  2. Interface for MV (self-infating bag, ventilator...)
  3. Toilet (Hygiene) (suction of mucus and airway secretions) 
  4. Protection (against aspiration)

 

 

  Patency Interface Toilet Protection
Manual airway maneuvers + - - -
Oral / Nasal airways + - - -
Face mask + (1) + - -
Supraglottic airway device + + +/- +/-
Endotracheal intubation + + + +
Recovery position +/- - - +/-
  1. Only in combination with manual airway maneuveres or oral/nasal airway

A situation where it is necessary to secure the airways and it is difficult or impossible to intubate a patient is called „Difficult airway“.