21. Airway management in patients with suspected or confirmed cervical spine injury

Airway management in patients with suspected or confirmed cervical spine injury

Download here 

CEUs: 2 Clinical

Average read time: 30 to 40 minutes

Short Summary of the Article:

This article, titled “Airway Management in Patients with Suspected or Confirmed Cervical Spine Injury,” focuses on the critical aspects of airway management in patients who have or are suspected to have cervical spine injuries. The article highlights how cervical spine injuries pose unique challenges in airway management, where improper techniques could exacerbate existing neurological deficits or create new spinal cord injuries. After conducting a systematic review of the literature and using expert opinion, the article presents key guidelines for practitioners, discussing techniques like pre-oxygenation, tracheal intubation, videolaryngoscopy, and the use of supraglottic airway devices. It emphasizes minimizing cervical spine movement during airway procedures and suggests videolaryngoscopy as the most effective technique to reduce risks in such scenarios.

Learning Outcomes 

Upon completion of this activity, you should have an understanding of:

1. Proper Techniques to Maintain Airway in Cervical Spine Injuries: Practitioners will learn specific techniques for maintaining the airway while minimizing cervical spine movement, such as jaw thrust over chin lift.
2. Risks and Recommendations for Airway Devices: Understanding which airway devices (e.g., second-generation supraglottic airway devices and videolaryngoscopy) are most effective in patients with cervical spine immobilization.
3. Guidelines for Tracheal Intubation in Critical Scenarios: The role of awake tracheal intubation, the necessity of removing rigid cervical collars during intubation, and the application of cricoid force in airway management.

(Max of 3 Attempts)