Why Airway Management Matters

Airway management is the foundation of emergency medical care. Without a clear airway, oxygen can't reach the lungs, and the patient can deteriorate quickly. EMTs and paramedics must know how to assess, open, and maintain a patient's airway using various techniques and equipment.

Techniques and Tools

• Head-Tilt/Chin-Lift and Jaw-Thrust: Simple manual maneuvers to open the airway, used depending on suspected spinal injury.
• Oropharyngeal (OPA) and Nasopharyngeal Airways (NPA): Devices that keep the airway open in unconscious or semi-conscious patients.
• Suctioning: Removing obstructions like blood or vomit to keep the airway clear.
• Bag-Valve-Mask (BVM): Provides positive pressure ventilation for patients who are not breathing adequately.

Real-World Applications

Mastery of these skills means you can save lives in emergencies, such as car accidents, overdoses, or cardiac arrests, ensuring patients get the oxygen they desperately need.