Airway Assessment
Airway assessment is the #1 priority in the primary survey.
Use the “look, listen, feel” technique
Look
- Deformity, blood or foreign bodies, chest wall movement, cyanosis, malposition of trachea
Listen
- Noisy respirations or voice changes
Feel
- Air movement, presence of subcutaneous air
Immediately intervene if you suspect airway obstruction:
- Chin lift/jaw thrust
- Suction as needed
- Oral airway (obtunded patient) or nasal airway if gag reflex intact
Apply or provide oxygen / ventilation as needed
If indicated, prepare for definitive airway
- Verbalize to team the contingency plan if intubation fails – PLAN B
- Maintain control of the cervical spine
- Provide manual in-line stabilization
- Place endotracheal tube with cuff inflated below the vocal cords
This is the fundamental assessment of the airway in an injured patient and can be performed at all training/skill levels.
