Airway management in TFC involves a significant understanding of many issues and the development of competency in performing several skills.

The topics that we covered included, amongst others:

- Identification of the signs of an airway obstruction,
- Considerations for spinal immobilization,
- Progressive strategies for airway management,
- Indications for an advanced airway,
- Considerations for using oxygen and the importance of pulse oximetry

The skills that were taught and practiced include:

- Airway maneuvers (using a head-tilt/chin-lift or jaw-thrust method) and placing the casualty in the recovery position
- Manual and mechanical suctioning
- Establishing an airway by cricothyroidotomy, and
- Ventilating using a bag valve mask with NPA

Together, the knowledge and skills learned from this module will prepare you to manage airways in the Tactical Field Care environment.