Airway, Breathing or Consequences: Use Your Tools and Trust the Technology

Conclusion Ongoing confirmation of proper placement of an airway device is critical. Whether by a colorimetric device, capnometry, or, ideally, capnography, the tools should always be available and always be used. Note that there’s no mention of when this confirmation should take place. That’s because it’s essential to ensure that the tube is in the right spot and stays in the right spot. Each time, every time, all the time! As a healthcare provider, it’s essential to know your equipment, its uses and its limitations. You’re responsible for understanding not only how and why these tools work, but also how and why they might not work. You’ll use that knowledge to guide your actions when unexpected results or situations occur. In other words, you must use your tools and trust the technology! In part 2 of this article, we explore some real-life situations which demonstrate the medical-legal consequences when airway confirmation tools were either not used, or the technology wasn’t trusted. Reference Je S, Cho Y, Choi HJ, et al. An application of the learning curve-cumulative summation test to evaluate training for endotracheal intubation in emergency medicine. Emerg Med J. 2015;32(4):291–294. Resources Kodali BS. (July 9, 2017.) Capnography: A comprehensive educational website. Capnography.com. Retrieved July 19, 2018, from www.capnography.com. Link MS, Berkow LC, Kudenchuk PJ, et al. Part 7: Adult advanced cardiovascular life support: 2015 American Heart Assoc...
Source: JEMS Special Topics - Category: Emergency Medicine Authors: Tags: Airway & Respiratory Exclusive Articles Source Type: news