Airway management for the sports physician part 1: basic techniques

Airway emergencies are, fortunately, rare in sports medicine, but when they occur, they must be addressed quickly and effectively. Various techniques can be applied by a trained team physician to optimize oxygenation and ventilation for an acutely ill or injured athlete. Initial management of airway emergencies on the field can be guided using a simple algorithm. Basic maneuvers include methods to clear airways, place ventilation devices, and assist with breathing. More advanced techniques include placing various endotracheal tube devices and performing surgical techniques; these will be discussed in a subsequent article.