There is perhaps nothing more terrifying to new parents than breathing problems in an infant. Particularly among newborns, respiratory distress is a common and potentially life-threatening symptom. Key differences in the airways of infants and children make them more susceptible to certain respiratory structures. A keen understanding of upper airway anatomy can help you quickly and safely treat infants in respiratory distress.

Airway management is a critical component of every first responder’s job. From clearing the airway of secretions to managing complex aspiration cases and assessing causes of respiratory distress, the right equipment is key.

Dr. James DuCanto wants to make one thing clear: he didn’t know what the implications would be when he started the project that would lead to the development of the SALAD technique. The project originally came about as the result of a question, curiosity, and a desire to make a difference. Seeing the rate of first pass failure in intubation among medical professionals, Dr. DuCanto asked himself, “How can I help them do a better job?”

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 rate of flow and powerful suction.

Proper airway management in emergency medical settings can be life-saving and may prevent other complications, such as hypoxic brain injuries. Although most paramedics intuitively understand this, the stress of a high stakes emergency can make it difficult to provide skillful, quality care. Complications are common but largely preventable. Here is your quick-start guide to advanced airway management in 2018.

As a paramedic or EMT, your first responsibility in patient care is to secure a patent airway. Whether you are placing an EOA to elevate the tongue of an overdosed patient, suctioning the oropharynx of a trauma code, or inserting an endotracheal tube for a patient who has stopped breathing, a thorough understanding of the structures that make up the respiratory tract is a must. Here is a brief review of airway anatomy to ensure you're ready for the next respiratory emergency.

Chest trauma can produce lethal consequences for your patients. In fact, chest injuries account for between 25-50% of trauma-related deaths worldwide, with early recognition and treatment being one of the primary factors in reducing mortality.¹

Spinal cord injuries are devastating events. In the U.S., most are the result of automobile collisions, but falls, penetrating injuries, and blunt trauma can also cause injury to the spinal cord, leading to a respiratory emergency. It is estimated that there are over 11,000 spinal cord injuries each year in the U.S., the majority (80%) of which affect males around the age of 37.¹ When the injuries involve the cervical vertebrae, specifically the midsection (C3 through C5), they can disrupt the phrenic nerve, which controls movement of the diaphragm, rendering the patient unable to breathe on their own.