Most of us know what it’s like to be enjoying a nice meal when suddenly, you take too large of a bite and your food goes down the wrong pipe, causing some coughing and possible throat irritation. If you’re lucky, the coughing and discomfort won’t last long — but sometimes, these incidents result in choking, which often calls for more serious medical attention. 

Roughly 1.5 million Americans are affected by neuromuscular disorders annually, and patients with neuromuscular disorders experience a host of airway complications resulting from muscle weakness. It’s important that EMS providers remain knowledgeable about different types of neuromuscular disorders and their symptoms so they’re able to provide the best treatment and airway management techniques for their patients. 

A number of things, including allergies, a minor cold, and the flu can all cause airway discomfort. And complications from these usually minor conditions can be dangerous, especially in vulnerable people such as elders and children. Also, serious conditions such as aspiration, partial obstructions, pneumonia, and other disorders may also trigger airway discomfort. As a first responder, it’s important to know when airway discomfort is a sign of a serious problem, or just a passing symptom. 

Prehospital suctioning of critically ill patients is a core skill that all first responders must master. Before the advent of suction machines, patients were faced with the terrifying realities of inadequate or nonexistent suction. Now, first responders have a number of options.

Emergency responders are the people on the frontlines of every accident, crisis and disaster. But over time — and especially in recent years — being subjected to these stressful, traumatic situations can cause burnout and negatively affect their mental health.

The ABCs of patient care begin with the airway. Does your patient have airway patency? Can your patient maintain his or her own airway? Are there any obstructions or contaminants obstructing the airway? Questions like these are likely second nature to you, and you probably don’t even realize you are asking them when caring for your patients.

They may not always be on the frontlines, but health care risk managers play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of patients. There is a time, however, to celebrate these professionals.