Indications and Decision Making

  • Andrew Griffiths
  • Tim Lowes
  • Jeremy Henning
Chapter

Abstract

The decision to escalate airway management from basic to advanced is not always clear cut. The primary aim must always be to maintain reliable airway patency and ensure adequate oxygenation and ventilation in order to prevent hypoxia and hypercarbia. The airway is at risk from aspiration or soiling from upper airway debris if the laryngeal reflexes are incompetent or rendered ineffective by drugs. A simple approach may not be the most appropriate as it is labor intensive and unreliable. In these cases, or if clear indications exist, consideration should be given to endotracheal intubation (Boxes 2.1 and 2.2).

Keywords

Laryngeal Mask Airway Adequate Oxygenation Airway Protection Definitive Care Rapid Sequence Intubation 
These keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.

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Copyright information

© Springer London Limited 2010

Authors and Affiliations

  • Andrew Griffiths
    • 1
    • 2
    • 3
  • Tim Lowes
    • 1
    • 2
    • 3
  • Jeremy Henning
    • 4
    • 5
  1. 1.16 Close Support Medical RegimentCambridgeUK
  2. 2.James Cook University HospitalMiddlesbroughUK
  3. 3.GNAASDarlingtonUK
  4. 4.Ministry of Defence Hospital Unit NorthallertonNorthallertonUK
  5. 5.Clinical Director Great North Air Ambulance ServiceDarlingtonUK

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