There are several methods for performing a cricothyroidotomy, and CoTCCC research has helped identify which techniques have evidence to support their recommendation for use. Of note, a crossover study comparing the Cric-Key™ with the standard surgical procedure revealed that medics perform the procedure faster and with a lower failure rate using the Cric-Key. For that reason, it is considered the preferred device for cricothyroidotomies. The other two techniques that are CoTCCC-recommended include the bougie-aided open surgical technique and the standard open surgical technique.

Although there are considerations specific to each technique that you will learn about in the upcoming videos, there are some common considerations to highlight.