Refer to in Appendix A for Trauma Airway Assessment guidance and Appendix B for Difficult Airway Management.
- Ketamine is the first line agent for Rapid Sequence Intubation (RSI).
- Apply principles of Apneic Oxygenation.
- Utilize device name rather than brand-name wherever possible.
- Eliminate blind nasal intubation. Anticipate fiber optic guidance if available.
- Use waveform or digital capnography as primary tool to verify tube placement if available.
- Remove recommendation for use of an intubating Laryngeal Mask Airway.
- Offer surgical cricothyroidotomy or tracheostomy as surgical airway options.
- Optimize RSI and Intubation Pathway for all patients. Separate Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) algorithm not required.
- Include specific pediatric recommendations.
- Trauma airway management should be rehearsed with your trauma team on a regular basis to include role assignments and familiarization with difficult airway management and surgical airway equipment.