Introduction Mechanical ventilation (MV) is an important tool for resuscitation of critically ill patients in the emergency department (ED). It is vital that ED practitioners have a thorough understanding of the basics of MV and to know when to apply…
Introduction Placement of a tracheostomy tube is a common procedure in critically ill patients. Common indications for this procedure include upper airway obstruction, head or neck trauma, and prolonged respiratory failure. Approximately one fourth of patients in the intensive care…
Few clinical scenarios are as critical as when a patient's airway cannot be controlled with traditional endotracheal (ET) intubation. Although cricothyrotomy is rarely required, the incidence of surgical airways has decreased even further since the advent of adjunctive intubation techniques.…
Endotracheal (ET) intubation in the emergency setting presents a challenge distinct from that associated with intubation of fasted, premedicated patients in the operating room (OR). Patients in the emergency department (ED) are frequently uncooperative and unstable and may have medical…
Intubation is often the pivotal procedure in the emergency management of critically ill patients. There are several new devices that can improve the likelihood of successful intubation, and it is important to put the intubation procedure in perspective, understanding that…
Basic airway procedures are often overlooked in favor of more exciting intubation devices and techniques, but basic procedures are critically important and often lifesaving. Establishment of a patent airway, oxygenation, and bag-mask ventilation (BMV) remain the cornerstones of good emergency…
Spirometry For patients with acute exacerbations of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), accurately estimating the severity of airflow obstruction is a critical component of their care. A focused history plus physical examination is the cornerstone of this assessment…
Measuring the temperature, pulse, respiratory rate (RR), blood pressure, and pulse oximetry is generally recommended for all emergency department (ED) patients, in addition to assessment of pain in the appropriate patient population. For very minor problems or for some fast-track…
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Questions and Answers 1 Your crew arrives on scene to a call dispatched as a “sick person.” They find a 35-year-old male who recently returned from Saudi Arabia and is complaining of feeling unwell and has a cough. What measures…