# Answers

### What are the signs of an airway obstruction?

In cases of partial or complete airway obstruction, the casualty may experience agitation, cyanosis, confusion or even unconsciousness, difficulty breathing (dyspnea), or high-pitched breathing noises such as stridor, wheezing, snoring, or gurgling sounds.

### What is the best position for a conscious casualty that is breathing on their own?

Allow the conscious casualty that is breathing on their own to assume whatever position allows them to breathe most comfortably.

### What are common errors when performing a cricothyroidotomy?

The most common error is making the initial incision too small, thereby limiting the ability to clearly visualize the cricothyroid membrane; identifying the landmarks properly is difficult and commonly leads to incorrect placement; “stabbing” when incising; not inserting a finger, once the membrane has been incised, to manually feel for the lumen and tracheal rings.

### What condition warrants oxygenation in TFC according to the TCCC Guidelines?

Traumatic brain injury; maintain an oxygen saturation >90%