Airway obstructions are common and may even be underreported. The prevalence and type of airway obstruction varies with age. Children younger than 4, for example, are more vulnerable to choking-related upper airway obstructions, and adults commonly experience airway obstruction caused by complications from smoking. First responders will inevitably encounter a wide variety of airway obstructions and must be prepared to promptly respond to each with appropriate medical care. Here are the most common causes of upper airway obstruction. 

Sooner or later, every first responder encounters a difficult airway. Training for these scenarios is critical for improving patient care and reducing first responder frustration and burnout. There’s no substitute for lived experience, critical feedback from experienced providers, and drills that mimic real-world situations. However, keeping in mind these five tips can help you more effectively treat difficult airways.

The opioid overdose epidemic is hitting cities and towns across the nation, with a death toll that is both shocking and rapidly growing. Sixty-eight percent of drug overdose deaths involve an opioid, and opioid overdoses claim an average of 130 American lives each day. Promptly responding to suspected or confirmed opioid overdoses can help slow the epidemic. Airway management is critical for acute care following an overdose. Here’s what you need to know.

Training is an essential part of your job. With the demands of your work schedule, balancing your time with your family, and your weekly obligations, you may find yourself struggling to find the motivation to put in extra time for training. But even the most skilled practitioners need to train—and train often—in order to best serve their patients when airway emergencies occur.

The ABCs of patient care begin with the airway. Is your patient’s airway patent? 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.

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.