Codes/Out of or Emergency Airway Management

Abstract

Anesthesiologists are frequently called to intubate patients in an urgent or emergent setting outside of the operating room, especially at code blues when a patient has gone into cardiac or respiratory arrest. This chapter outlines how to assess a patient’s status in an efficient manner, including assessing vital signs and ABCs (airway, breathing, and circulation status). Outside of the operating room, the anesthesiologist must rely on supplies provided in an emergency crash cart or in a department-provided code bag. Using the MOMSAID mnemonic (Machine, Oxygen, Monitor, Suction, Airway, IV, Drugs), this chapter highlights how to pick and choose supplies and ensure appropriate setup for a safe intubation.