Crisis management of air embolism in the or

An air embolism in the OR is a life-threatening emergency that demands prompt coordinated interventions by all perioperative team members. Specific applications of protocols and guidelines, such as the flowchart provided in this article, provide key components of traditional and effective responses to surgical crises. Successful management of an air embolism event requires critical skills of perioperative nurses who must consider both the risks for VAE or AAE and preventive actions, be aware of the resources available during an air embolism in the OR, and collaborate with their team members through precise and accurate communication.