After successful intubation, your patient is mechanically ventilated with a patent airway, and his vital signs stabilize. Then, while transporting your patient, you notice a sawtooth pattern to the ventilator waveform. The patient’s cough is not “junky,” and his oxygen saturation remains stable.

Hypotension is clinically defined as systolic blood pressure below 90 or diastolic blood pressure below 60. Slight variations in these figures are normal, and very fit people may have unusually low blood pressure. So it’s important to take into account the patient’s full condition, not just their blood pressure.

Hypoxia is one of the most common suctioning complications. It’s also preventable in most scenarios. Hyperoxygenate a patient before suctioning to reduce the risk of hypoxia as well as other suctioning complications. Here’s what you need to know about the process.

Predicting difficult airways is key to successful intubation, and can minimize psychological and physical trauma to patients. Patients with difficult airways face higher morbidity and mortality rates because intubation may be delayed or even impossible. A simple mnemonic device can help you quickly assess a patient’s airway and respond appropriately. 

Respiratory distress is a common reason for emergency room visits in children and neonates. Children under four are especially vulnerable to respiratory problems. First responders typically see an uptick in respiratory issues among children during cold and flu season. A prompt response can save lives; in 2023, 106 children died from flu complications.

Although the placement of chest tubes usually falls to physicians, many healthcare workers have had to care for patients with chest tubes in place, either in a hospital setting or during transport. Chest tubes are a critical factor in certain respiratory emergencies, so let’s review the indications for placement and some of the dangerous complications you can avoid when caring for such patients.

In 1907, otolaryngologist Sidney Yankauer revolutionized the world of medical suction with his eponymous Yankauer suction catheter. Dr. Yankauer worked at the outpatient surgery department of Mount Sinai Hospital and while there, this unassuming ENT specialist invented numerous pieces of medical equipment. Dr. Yankauer is hailed as a medical genius and admired for his prolific publishing output.

Your BLS engine company is dispatched to a “difficulty breathing” call and your ALS rescue is still in the process of delivering their previous patient to the hospital. Dispatch is sending the next closest rescue, but the responding unit has just notified you that they are held up by a train.

Emergency preparedness is a critical aspect of the job for every medical professional, especially first responders. You’ll be working with people at some of the most difficult times of their lives, often in the wake of immense tragedy or a sudden disaster. Emergency preparedness should guide your work.

When your patient cannot mobilize and clear secretions independently, you may need to suction their airway. Your suctioning method will depend on whether the patient has an artificial airway and what portion of the airway needs to be cleared.