A

Lecture aim

• How to assess the airway

• How to treat airway problems

What is the ”airway”?

• Assess• Treat• Re-assess

7

Airway – How to assess

Listen to breathingSnoring? Gurgling?Stridor?

Look & feelRespiratory distress?Paradoxical breathing?No breath sounds?

8

Airway – How to treat

Chin lift

Lateral PositionWhole body lying on the side one knee up

for balance, neck extended

Oro- pharyngeal airwaySuctionIntubation

• Assess• Treat• Re-assess

Summary• Airway Danger Signs =

Snoring, GurglingStridorNo breath soundsRespiratory distress

Treatments are chin lift, lateral position, oro-pharyngeal airway & suction