A is for airway: needle techniques to the neck

The purpose of this article is only to introduce these procedures. More extensive review of the procedures and instruction by a qualified professional are mandatory before proceeding further. The three procedures are very similar, using the same anatomic location and many of the same techniques. They allow you to establish a secure airway rapidly; however, the skills needed to do them must be practiced on a regular basis and performed by people who are familiar with ACLS procedures, are intimately aware of airway anatomy and are skilled at doing endotracheal intubation. Since these techniques are probably used infrequently, a regular training schedule should be established, along with competency testing. Whichever procedure is used will enable appropriately trained and competent personnel to get a patient through a life-threatening situation quickly.