FLIGHT PARAMEDIC ADVANCED AIRWAY MANAGEMENT

"Failure to manage an ________________ is a major cause of a preventable death in the prehospital setting." - Answer-Airway What are some indications for immediate intubation? - Answer-Unable to swallow. GCS <8. Expected clinical course. Apnea. Airway obstruction. Resp failure. What are the three critical lab values that indicate the need for intubation? - Answer-Ph <7.2 CO2 >55 PaO2 <60 Rememeber, only one needs to be off to indicate the need for intubation. What does the L.E.M.O.N acronym stand for? - Answer-*Look *Evaluate 3-3-2 *Mallampati *Obstructions * Neck Mobility. What are characteristics of a Mallampati 1 airway? - Answer-Soft palate, uvula, ant / pos tonsillar pillars visible. What are characteristics of a Mallampati 2 airway? - Answer-Tonsillar pillars hidden by the tongue. What are some characteristics of a Mallampati 3 airway? - Answer-Only the base of the uvula can be seen. What are some characteristics of a Mallampati 4 airway? - Answer-The uvula cannot be seen. Severe difficult in intubating, typically associated with obese patients.