Emergent airway management - Indications and methods in the face of confounding conditions

Skillful airway management is the first step in the successful resuscitatio n of a compromised patient. When faced with an unsecured airway, the clinic ian has little margin for error. This article reviews definitive and nondef initive (temporizing) measures of airway control. Although temporizing meth ods may buy some time for a clinician, airway control ultimately requires t racheal access. The rationale for orotracheal intubation being the preferre d route of airway control is described. The pathophysiology of trauma and t he consequences of failed, delayed, or improper airway management are discu ssed. In addition, the physiologic and pharmacologic means of avoiding adve rse sequelae while obtaining a secure airway are reviewed.