EMT-Basic/Advanced Airway

Lesson 8.1: Advanced Airway

Important Disclaimer

This lesson is an optional lesson which may not be applicable to your area. The techniques described in this section can be highly dangerous if applied improperly, and require special training in order to be properly performed. EMT-Basics are not allowed to perform these procedures in all jurisdictions. Check with your instructor or the EMS authority in your jurisdiction to find out if the material in this section is able to be applied by EMT-Basics in your area.

Objectives

By the end of this lesson, the EMT-Basic should be able to:

1. Identify and describe the airway anatomy in the infant, child, and adult.
2. Differentiate between the airway anatomy of the infant, child, and adult.
3. Explain the pathophysiology of airway compromise.
4. Describe the proper use of airway adjuncts.
5. Review the use of oxygen therapy in airway management.
6. Describe the indications, contraindications, and technique for insertion of nasal gastric tubes.
7. Describe how to perform the Sellick maneuver (cricoid pressure)
8. Describe the indications for advanced airway management.
9. List the equipment required for orotracheal intubation.
10. Describe the proper use of the curved blade for orotracheal intubation.
11. Describe the proper use of the straight blade for orotracheal intubation.
12. State the reasons for and proper use of the stylet for orotracheal intubation.
13. Describe the methods for choosing the appropriate size endotracheal tube for an adult patient.
14. State the formula for sizing an infant or child endotracheal tube.
15. List the complications associated with advanced airway management.
16. Define the various alternative methods for sizing the infant and child endotracheal tube.
17. Describe the skill of orotracheal intubation in the adult patient.
18. Describe the skill of orotracheal intubation in the infant and child patient.
19. Describe the skill of confirming endotracheal tube placement in adult, infant, and child patients.
20. State the consequences of and need to recognize unintentional esophageal intubation.
21. Describe the skill of securing the endotracheal tube in the adult, infant, and child patient.
22. Recognize and respect the feelings of the patient and family during advanced airway procedures.
23. Explain the value of performing advanced airway procedures.
24. Defend the need for the EMT-Basic to perform advanced airway procedures.
25. Explain the rationale for the use of the stylet.
26. Explain the rationale for having a suction unit immediately available during intubation attempts.
27. Explain the rationale for confirming breath sounds.
28. Explain the rationale for securing the endotracheal tube.
29. Demonstrate how to perform the Sellick maneuver (cricoid pressure).
30. Demonstrate the skill of orotracheal intubation in the adult patient.
31. Demonstrate the skill of orotracheal intubation in the infant and child patient.
32. Demonstrate the skill of confirming endotracheal tube placement in the adult patient.
33. Demonstrate the skill of confirming endotracheal tube placement in the infant and child patient.
34. Demonstrate the skill of securing the endotracheal tube in the adult patient.
35. Demonstrate the skill of securing the endotracheal tube in the infant and child patient.