Tachycardia can be a sign of respiratory distress. It can also be a complication of interventions to treat respiratory distress, including suctioning. First responders and medical providers must have a clear understanding of the link between tachycardia and suctioning so that they can reduce the risk of patient injuries and improve both long- and short-term outcomes.

Hypercapnia, also known as hypercarbia or carbon dioxide toxicity, causes dangerous levels of CO2 in the blood. In most cases, it signals a respiratory problem such as poor lung function, but it can also happen among deep divers, particularly when they do not breathe adequately, or have contaminated oxygen supplies. 

Knowing the signs and symptoms of carbon dioxide toxicity can save lives and equip medical personnel and first responders to act quickly.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the third leading cause of disease-related death in the United States. Though people of widely varying health profiles can develop this disorder, it is more common among people who smoke. First responders in the Deep South and in other regions where smoking is common may regularly encounter patients with COPD. Suctioning these patients demands skill and compassion. Here’s what you need to know about suctioning a patient with COPD.

Suctioning can prove life-saving in neonates, particularly those born prematurely and those struggling with the transition from fetus to neonate. Like any medical intervention, it also presents some risks, especially if performed absent medical indication or in a hasty and thoughtless fashion. Identifying the most common neonatal suction catheter complications can help you reduce the risk your patients face, improving care outcomes and potentially even saving lives.

Advanced airway management demands precision and skill, especially in vulnerable patients. When performed correctly, however, initiating nasopharyngeal airways is very safe—and much safer than the alternative of doing nothing. Many first responders are reluctant to initiate a nasopharyngeal airway, citing fears of complications. But this route can enable intubation in patients with an intact gag reflex. Proper training can promote greater confidence, so don’t let fear deter you from practicing this life-saving technique.

Every patient is unique. Expert airway management demands a critical, creative, adaptive approach. Nevertheless, first responders should follow established protocols and guidelines if they want to get the best results. A simple algorithm can help guide decision-making in airway management, while still allowing room for flexible problem-solving. Follow these guidelines to speed treatment and reduce errors in the event of a difficult airway:

Airway suctioning can save lives, support recovery from chronic illnesses, and improve outcomes in ICU patients. Proper airway suctioning is key to preventing infections in patients who cannot clear their own airway, as well as in those who are experiencing certain medical emergencies. But reckless approaches to suctioning and inadequate infection prevention protocols can introduce new dangers, putting vulnerable patients in greater peril. Here’s what you need to know about preventing lung infections via airway suction. 

Drug overdoses, sudden injuries, respiratory issues, and myriad other health concerns can trigger cardiac arrest. Cardiac arrest is a leading cause of death, but many of these deaths are preventable. Every year, more than 350,000 cardiac arrests occur outside of hospitals. Nearly half of cardiac arrest victims survive when bystanders administer CPR. The figure is even higher when trained first responders are prepared to perform CPR while managing the airway. Airway management is key to successful CPR, and first responders must have the right equipment ready to go. 

A tracheostomy opens a direct airway into the neck. Its prevalence in long-term care is increasing, and some providers assert that early tracheostomy in mechanically ventilated patients may decrease complications and reduce morbidity. In the emergency setting, a tracheostomy can save lives when other airway management strategies fail. Like all medical procedures, a tracheostomy presents specific advantages and disadvantages. Here’s what you need to know to make a decision. 

Both basic and advanced airway management can save lives. Neither is more important than the other. Nor is one the “better” option. Indeed, when basic airway management is the safest and most effective option, immediately escalating to advanced airway management can be immensely harmful.