EMET Pre-learning: Airway Emergencies

In the management of the acutely ill or traumatised patient, the assessment and management of the airway is the first priority. As complete airway obstruction can lead to cardiac arrest in as little as 4 to 10 minutes and irreversible CNS damage within 3 to 5 minutes, the ability to manage the compromised airway is one of the most important (life saving) skills clinicians require in managing the emergency patient. Protecting or establishing an airway can be extremely anxiety provoking but in the majority of cases is relatively straight forward.

The pre-learning explores the immediate assessment of the critically ill patient with a focus on the clinical assessment of the airway, identification of when intervention is required, and options for managing airway compromise. The prelearning provides a foundation for the skills stations and scenarios that will be used in the Airway Workshop.