Organization of personnel and resources for airway management in the hospital and office environment

Good airway management depends on a system that emphasizes teamwork to expe dite care and minimize errors. By understanding the accreditation and licen sing requirements, appropriate personnel and equipment can be allocated alo ng cost effective guidelines. Newer techniques for management of the diffic ult airway, such as the laryngeal mask airway (LMA; LMA North America, San Diego, CA) and flexible fiberoptic bronchoscope, provide alternatives to th e emergency cricothyrotomy. A program of continuous quality improvement and clinical guidelines will enhance patient care and suggest intelligent use of airway resources.