BASIC AIRWAY MANAGEMENT

BASIC AIRWAY MANAGEMENT

Airway obstruction

The majority of preventable deaths following trauma occur as a result of airway obstruction.

Obstruction may occur at any point within the airway, from the upper airways to the bronchi deep within the chest.

Common causes of airway obstruction

Upper Airway

Larynx (voice box)

Lower Airway

Recognition of airway obstruction

LOOK for chest/abdominal movement

LISTEN at mouth and nose for breath sounds and abnormal noises

FEEL at mouth and nose for expired air

Abnormal sounds in airway obstruction

Snoring - due to obstruction of upper airway by the tongue

Gurgling - due to obstruction of upper airway by liquids (blood, vomit)

Wheezing - due to narrowing of the lower airways

Complete airway obstruction is silent.

Opening the airway

Remove crash helmet with manual in-line stabilisation of the c-spine

Head tilt (NOT if c-spine injury)

Chin lift with manual in-line stabilisation of the c-spine

Jaw thrust with manual in-line stabilisation of the c-spine

Suction with manual in-line stabilisation of the c-spine

Oral airways

Will stimulate vomiting and movement in conscious or semi-conscious casualties

This may result in;
worsening airway problems
cervical spine compromise

Sizing an oropharyngeal airway

Oropharyngeal airway insertion

Nasal airways

Will cause bleeding from the nose in a large number of cases.

This will result in worsening airway problems so use only as a last resort.

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