Rhode Island Emergency Medical Services Statewide EMS ProtocolsOctober 2016Rhode Island Department of Health

Airway ProtocolsSection 5

Airway ProtocolGeneral Changes and Additions• This is a new section in the protocols.• This section has 3 protocols. • READ PEARLS – Pearls contain critical educational information to

understand protocol management and may include care direction.

Medical ProtocolNew Protocol Previous Protocol

Previous Protocol Section

5.01 Adult Airway Management 4.2 Airway management and Respiratory Support

5.01 Pediatric Airway Management 4.2 Airway management and Respiratory Support

5.02 Adult Failed Airway 4.2 Airway management and Respiratory Support

5.02 Pediatric Failed Airway 4.2 Airway management and Respiratory Support5.03 Respiratory Distress in

Patient with a Tracheotomy Tube 4.2 Airway management and Respiratory Support

5.01Adult Airway Management

Protocol Summary • Previously protocol 4.2 Airway Management

and Respiratory Support. • This protocol details airway management for

the adult patient.

5.01Pediatric Airway Management

Protocol Summary• Previously protocol 4.2 Airway Management

and Respiratory Support. • This protocol details airway management for

the pediatric patient.

5.02Adult Failed AirwayProtocol Summary • Previously protocol 4.2 Airway Management

and Respiratory Support. • This protocol details management of the

patient with a failed airway.

5.02Pediatric Failed AirwayProtocol Summary • Previously protocol 4.2 Airway Management

and Respiratory Support. • This protocol details management of the

pediatric patients with a failed airway.

5.03 Respiratory Distress in a Patient with a Tracheostomy Tube

Protocol Summary• Previously protocol 4.2 Airway Management

and Respiratory Support. • This protocol details management of

respiratory distress in the patient with a tracheostomy tube in place.

Paramedic ONLY• No Tracheostomy Tube in Place – insert or ETT.• Tracheostomy Tube in Place – remove obturator,

plug….• Continued respiratory distress manage as per

respiratory distress protocol.

ALL Providers including Advanced EMT Cardiac• Routine Patient Care.• No Tracheostomy Tube in Place – caregiver insert• Tracheostomy Tube in Place – caregiver remove

obturator, plug, inner cannula.• Continued respiratory distress manage as per

respiratory distress protocol.

Continue on to RI EMS Protocol Education ModulesSection 6