--- title: Emergency Airway Management in the Geriatric Patient description: As patients age, their bodies undergo many changes, meaning a more targeted approach to medical procedures, including airway management techniques... image: https://blog.sscor.com/hubfs/Emergency-Airway-Management-in-the-Geriatric-Patient.png --- [![dark-header.jpg](https://blog.sscor.com/hs-fs/hub/212347/file-1107077240.jpg?width=940&name=file-1107077240.jpg "dark-header.jpg")](https://www.sscor.com/) ## **Thank you for visiting the SSCOR Blog.** Whether you're in a Hospital or EMS setting, this is the place for you. We'll share information on current industry news, tips, as well as the latest and greatest in SSCOR products. Our hope is that this blog is not only informative but a collaborative and open forum for you to share your thoughts on developing opportunities and challenges within your profession. Subscribe. Share your thoughts. Enjoy. -SSCOR Team   # [Emergency Airway Management in the Geriatric Patient](https://blog.sscor.com/emergency-airway-management-in-the-geriatric-patient) Posted by [Sam D. Say](https://blog.sscor.com/author/sam-d-say) Jan 20, 2024 8:00:00 AM 3 min read - [![LinkedIn Social Icon](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/142915/file-2628248555-png/images/icons/linkedin-small.png) ](https://blog.sscor.com/emergency-airway-management-in-the-geriatric-patient#) 0 - [![Facebook Social Icon](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/142915/file-2623658044-png/images/icons/fb-small.png) ](https://blog.sscor.com/emergency-airway-management-in-the-geriatric-patient#) 0 ![Emergency-Airway-Management-in-the-Geriatric-Patient](https://blog.sscor.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Emergency-Airway-Management-in-the-Geriatric-Patient.png?width=848&name=Emergency-Airway-Management-in-the-Geriatric-Patient.png)   It’s projected that by 2030, 1 in 5 Americans will be 65 or older, and the number of geriatric patients will only increase as medicine and science continue to advance and improve life expectancy.    As patients age, their bodies undergo many changes, meaning a more targeted approach to medical procedures, including airway management techniques, is required. Understanding these circumstances can make a vast difference in outcomes during emergencies.    ## **Health Changes in Geriatric Patients**  Regardless of outward appearance, geriatric patients undergo [many physiological changes](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK556106/) that may make airway management more difficult. These include:    - Decreased lung elasticity. - Decreased chest wall compliance and respiratory muscle strength. - Reduced cough and mucociliary clearance. - Reduced responsiveness of brain respiratory centers to hypoxemia and hypocarbia. - Limited mouth-opening. - Reductions in vital capacity. - Lost integrity in teeth and gums.    [![Guide: Portable Emergency Suction: A Critial Tool In Avoiding Aspiration Pneumonia](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/212347/2f1501c2-bb40-46f8-a1de-c029ad5be75b.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/212347/2f1501c2-bb40-46f8-a1de-c029ad5be75b)   ## **Airway Management in a Healthy Geriatric Patient**  As with all patients, it’s important to gauge basic vitals and level of consciousness while preparing for treatment. However, there should be extra precautions taken with all geriatric patients, even if they appear to be in good overall health. Keep in mind that:   - Dentures can make intubation more difficult, but removing dentures can worsen face mask seals. - Broken teeth are more likely to become obstructions in elderly patients.  - Elderly patients face an increased risk of aspiration. - Chest wall stiffness may lead to reduced tidal volume, complicating oxygenation.  - Nasal tissues will be fragile.  - Kyphosis, an exaggerated forward rounding of the spine, is more likely to be seen in elderly patients.  - Older patients may rely more on diaphragmatic excursion.   Considering the above factors, you must take special consideration and care when managing the airway of a geriatric patient, such as:   - Avoiding nasal intubation, if possible. - Using extra padding when positioning the patient.  - Being careful not to impede the abdomen if securing the patient on a backboard.  - Having [suction equipment](https://www.sscor.com/) close by.    Additionally, due to the possibility of hypoxia progressing rapidly and the increased likelihood a geriatric patient takes medication that will mask physiological responses, a high index of suspicion should be maintained at all times.    ## **Airway Management in an Unhealthy Geriatric Patient**  Many older geriatric patients may have a history of cardiovascular disease or [other medical conditions](https://blog.sscor.com/suctioning-patients-with-heart-disease) that increase in severity with age. In unhealthy or frail patients, it’s important to look for:   - Lacerated or dry lips can make intubation and obtaining a face-mask seal more difficult.  - Decreased tongue pressure. - Rheumatoid arthritis or myelopathy can cause changes in the neck that reduce mouth opening.    If any of these conditions are present, it’s recommended to use a supraglottic device to create a better seal for ventilation or video laryngoscopy (VL) when intubating to reduce the risk of harm to the patient.    [![New: Ultimate Guide To Purchasing A Portable Emergency Suction Device](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/212347/55c49bab-8acd-48d9-a274-d480a9b3e678.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/212347/55c49bab-8acd-48d9-a274-d480a9b3e678)   Additionally, for many elderly patients – especially those who have lost integrity in their teeth and gums – suctioning should be avoided if possible as there is a heightened risk of causing a laceration. However, geriatric patients experiencing decreased tongue pressure will likely produce excess saliva. For these patients, it is recommended to use suction equipment, such as SSCOR’s reliable and effective [EMS-designed products](https://www.sscor.com/ducanto_catheter?hsCtaTracking=407c2d82-74ff-4051-955f-53f03b1d92e8%7C75c67c3a-d480-4613-8457-a365ae8177c8), before using a VL, as this will enhance visualization and reduce the risk of aspiration.    Managing the airway of geriatric patients presents many unique challenges, some of which may not be easily identifiable by outward appearance. However, by remaining vigilant, being knowledgeable of the health changes and challenges our older population faces, and having the proper equipment on hand, you can provide safe and effective care to the patient while minimizing the risk of complications.   *Editor's Note: This blog was originally published in February, 2022. It has been re-published with additional up to date content.*   [![New Call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/212347/fa419f3f-eafc-4c63-a031-f2282d29a8be.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/212347/fa419f3f-eafc-4c63-a031-f2282d29a8be)   ![Author Photo](https://blog.sscor.com/hs-fs/hubfs/SDS2-648378-edited.jpg?width=70&name=SDS2-648378-edited.jpg) ## AboutSam D. Say Sam D. Say is owner and CEO of SSCOR, Inc., a medical device manufacturer specializing in emergency battery operated portable suction devices for the hospital and pre-hospital settings. Mr. Say has been involved in developing product for healthcare providers for over 35 years. His passions include contributing to the management of the patient airway and providing solutions that save lives in difficult conditions. 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