A Panoramic View of Airway Management in Emergency Medicine

Abstract

Airway management is a fundamental skill for emergency medical professionals like paramedics, EMTs, and emergency physicians. It involves quickly evaluating and addressing airway obstructions or breathing difficulties, often in high-stress, life-threatening situations. Proficiency requires a deep understanding of airway anatomy, physiology, and interventions, along with adaptability and rapid decision-making. This chapter summarizes evidence on key aspects, including assessing difficult airways, positioning, oxygenation, intubation methods, medications, devices, and rescue strategies, across various patient groups. Effective airway management is crucial for enhancing patient outcomes and reducing mortality in emergencies.