[Peracute suffocation emergency: what should be done?]

Peracute obstructive dyspnea with imminent asphyctic death is a dramatic emergency. It is characterized by easily audible inspiratory stridor caused by severe stenosis. Several causes in the pharynx and larynx may be responsible. Pharmacotherapy is hardly effective, an intubation extremely difficult in extremis. In contrast emergency coniotomy offers a real chance to reopen the airways even to the surgically inexperienced. The technique for this intervention is described.