Airway
Advanced Airway & Respiratory Management
Categorizing basic adjuncts, supraglottic devices, intubation, BVM, CPAP, and rescue techniques for failing ventilation.
Tool selection by patient and problem
Airway management escalates from positioning and suction through oropharyngeal and nasopharyngeal adjuncts, bag-valve-mask ventilation, supraglottic airways, and endotracheal intubation. MedlinePlus lists severe breathing difficulty as requiring emergency care—paramedics match device to obstruction level, gag reflex, and anticipated difficult airway.1
BVM with two-person technique and airway adjunct is first-line when apneic or critically hypoventilating. Supraglottic devices bridge when BVM is inadequate but intubation is delayed. CPAP supports alert patients with pulmonary edema or COPD exacerbation without immediate intubation—monitor for vomiting and declining mental status.
Ventilation strategies and pitfalls
The CDC COPD resources remind clinicians that chronic retainers may depend on hypoxic drive—titrate oxygen to relieve hypoxia without eliminating hypoxic ventilatory stimulus when protocol allows targeted saturations.2 Hyperventilation in arrest or head injury worsens outcomes; follow rate and tidal volume guidelines.
Confirm placement with capnography, bilateral chest rise, and absent gastric sounds—not color change alone. RSI requires sedative and paralytic sequencing with backup BVM and suction ready. Post-intubation seduction and paralysis management continues through transport; document EtCO₂ waveform throughout.
Practice this skill
Apply what you read with a hands-on Airway & Respiratory Management drill — instant feedback on every scenario.
