It’s back-to-school season. You’ve thought of the lunches, the new pencils and those lovely first-day-of-school outfits. But, is airway safety on your back-to-school checklist? There are many airway emergencies that can happen at school that providers, families, school nurses and teachers should be aware of and prepared to address.

As an EMS responder, you know how important a well-stocked trauma bag can be to the smooth running of emergency scenes. When you’re involved in the rapid, complex stabilization of a trauma patient, there’s nothing better than knowing that every piece of equipment you need is right within arm’s reach. A variety of dressings, assessment tools, and personal protection gear are all critical inclusions in your trauma bag. But none is so imperative as airway equipment, for without a patent airway, nothing you do for your patient will really matter.

COVID-19 fundamentally changed everything about how many people live. Choices that once seemed innocuous, such as going to the dentist or the grocery store, can now expose people to a lethal virus.

There are many unexpected symptoms that can stem from common traumas and accidents, and individuals often suffer significant airway damage from traumatic events. Around the world, injuries such as car accidents, gunshot wounds and concussions account for over 3 million non-fatal injuries per year. These common trauma scenarios can happen to anyone, and it’s critical that providers and patients understand the airway damage that results from physical trauma.

Let’s face it: Pediatric patients make even the most seasoned paramedics a bit nervous. Because adults make up the majority of EMS patients, when that little one comes along, it can produce anxiety even among the most experienced medics. And when the child is having trouble breathing, your unease can go through the roof.

When patients die during or after an aspiration event, it’s often because of the exposure to airway contaminants, not hypoxia. The risk of death increases with the volume of fluid inhaled. This is why diligent, intelligent suction can prove life-saving, especially in someone with limited mobility who is actively aspirating or vomiting. The right suction device quickly clears airway obstructions with a high flow rate and powerful suction.

The opioid overdose epidemic is hitting cities and towns across the nation, with a death toll that is both shocking and rapidly growing. In 2021, 80,411 people died from an opioid overdose, and they are a factor in seven out of 10 overdose deaths. A prompt response to a suspected or confirmed opioid overdose can help slow the epidemic. Airway management is critical for acute care following an overdose. Here’s what you need to know.

As the weather gets warmer and we move further into summer, more people are making time for travel and much-needed vacations that allow them to soak up the sun and explore new places and activities. While traveling is always something to look forward to, it can present major airway risks, particularly for vulnerable demographics and people with respiratory conditions.

Responding to pediatric emergencies requires a special approach. From your initial assessment to diagnosis and treatment, you must tailor your approach by understanding the differences in pediatric anatomy and physiology, the best approach for assessing your patient, and some special considerations when it comes to treatment.