Emergency and intensive care: assessing and managing the airway

Airway assessment and management skills are vital in an emergency department (ED) as they are the most sensitive indicator of patient deterioration. Problems as common as head injury or alcohol intoxication are associated with an inadequate airway or diminished respiratory function and can cause a patient's condition to decline rapidly. Maintaining a patient's airway and facilitating breathing is the main priority in any emergency situation, although achieving airway control can be difficult. All health professionals need to be able to safely undertake airway management. The key is a thorough assessment to determine whether the airway is patent or not. This paper will discuss the importance and practicalities of airway management and assessment in the emergency and intensive care.