The Sellick maneuver or cricoid pressure is an effective means of prev
enting passive aspiration of gastric contents. Recent studies recommen
d a pressure of 20 newtons (N) when the patient is awake, increasing t
o 30-40 N with unconsciousness. This study was proposed to determine w
hether with education and practice, anesthesia providers and assistant
s could be taught a recommended cricoid pressure and retain this skill
. Cricoid force was measured using a life-size laryngotracheal model o
n a calibrated infant scale. Fifty-three participants were divided int
o six groups: MD faculty; CA-1, 2, and 3 Residents; certified register
ed nurse anesthetists (CRNA); and Others. Each was asked to apply pres
sure to the blinded model to simulate application of the Sellick's man
euver to an ''awake'' and ''unconscious'' patient-on four occasions: b
efore instruction of the recommended pressures (Preinstruction), after
being informed of the recommended magnitudes of 20 N/awake and 30-40
N/anesthetized (Postinstruction), after a period of unblinded practice
(Postpractice), and 3 mo or longer after practice (Follow-up). Initia
l attempts revealed inadequate force by all participants, ''awake'' an
d ''anesthetized.'' All participants were able to learn the recommende
d amount of applied pressure and were able to retain this knowledge af
ter 3 mo. This model represents an easy and practical means of teachin
g the application of the optimal level of force to practitioners and a
ssistants.