Emergency Tracheostomy Management Algorithm - Patent Upper Airway



This algorithm assumes a potentially patent upper airway, meaning that it is anatomically possible for the upper airway to connect to the trachea and thus theoretically allow ventilation by this route. This is in contrast to a laryngectomy. As the original reason for the tracheostomy may have been an upper airway that is difficult or impossible to manage, the paired green bedhead sign emphasises that the airway may be difficult and documents the original grade of laryngoscopy and any airway devices or techniques used successfully [55].

However, the majority of patients will have an upper airway that could be used in addition to the tracheostomy [3].



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