Download Chapter 38 - Advanced Emergency Medical Technician

Chapleau & Pons: Emergency Medical Technician: Making the Difference
Chapter Summary
Chapter 38: Advanced Airway Management
Critical Points
The emergency medical technician must be thoroughly familiar with and well practiced in the
techniques of advanced airway management if these procedures are to be performed in the field.
If performed decisively and correctly, these techniques can be lifesaving. If not, the patient’s life
may be jeopardized. Appropriate advanced airway management requires detailed knowledge of
upper airway anatomy and an appreciation of how age-related variations in that anatomy
determine the optimal approach to securing the airway. Likewise, familiarity with the potential
complications of advanced airway management is mandatory if serious errors are to be avoided.
Learning Checklist
 Describe in detail the anatomy of the upper respiratory tract as it pertains to advanced airway
management.
 Explain the anatomic and physiologic factors that differentiate advanced airway management
for infants and children from advanced airway management for adults.
 Describe in detail endotracheal intubation in infant, child, and adult patients.
 Explain the method and rationale for confirming proper endotracheal tube placement.
 Explain the rationale for properly securing the endotracheal tube once it is in place.
 List the most serious complications of endotracheal intubation.
 Describe in detail the proper placement of a nasogastric tube.
 Explain the indications for placing an oro-gastric tube.
 Describe in detail the proper use of alternative advanced airway devices, such as the
laryngeal mask airway and the Combitube.
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