Crash Airway Algorithm Overview

The first step in managing a crash airway is to ensure the patient is receiving adequate oxygen. If the patient is well oxygenated, you can proceed to the next step.

If the initial intubation attempt is successful, the airway is secured, and you can proceed to post-intubation management. If unsuccessful, you move on to the next step.

If the patient cannot be effectively bagged, you must administer succinylcholine to paralyze the muscles and facilitate intubation. If bagging is successful, return to the intubation attempt.

After administering succinylcholine, attempt intubation again. If successful, proceed to post-intubation management. If unsuccessful, continue to the next step.

If oxygenation cannot be maintained, the airway is considered failed. However, if oxygenation can be maintained, return to the intubation attempt.

If an experienced operator has attempted intubation at least 3 times unsuccessfully, the airway is considered failed. Otherwise, continue with more intubation attempts.

A rapidly deteriorating airway situation demanding immediate action to maintain or restore ventilation and oxygenation. Key signs include labored breathing, stridor, cyanosis, altered mental status, gurgling, and decreased oxygen saturation.

The gold standard for securing an airway, achieved by visualizing the vocal cords and directly placing the tube. Proper placement is confirmed by auscultating breath sounds bilaterally and observing chest rise and fall symmetrically.

Simple devices designed to maintain airway patency in patients with diminished reflexes or loss of gag reflex. A common example is an OPA (Oropharyngeal Airway).

The most critical tool for initial airway management, used when intubation is not immediately possible or the patient is unable to maintain adequate ventilation.

Assessing for visual cues like swelling, trauma, and subcutaneous emphysema in the neck region can reveal potential airway compromise.

A controlled technique to rapidly secure patient airway using medications and intubation, aiming to minimize cardiovascular instability.

Pre-oxygenation before induction helps maximize time for intubation after the patient is relaxed.

Post-intubation care involves continuous monitoring of vital signs, assessing proper tube placement, maintaining ventilation and oxygenation, and observing for potential complications.

Symmetric chest rise, auscultating lung sounds, and capnography waveform analysis help confirm proper placement of the endotracheal tube.

It involves continuous monitoring of vital signs, ensuring proper airway management, and closely observing the patient for any changes or complications.