Paramedic Airway FISDAP Review Part 1

Appropriate airway management - ANSWER *Steps must be performed in order. Bypass steps that do not apply.* a. Open and maintain a patent airway. b. Recognize and treat airway obstructions. c. Assess ventilation and oxygenation status. d. Administer supplemental oxygen. e.Provide ventilatory assistance. Upper airway - ANSWER Consists of all anatomic airway structures above the glottic opening. *1. Tongue* a. Must be manipulated b. Tends to fall back into the posterior pharynx in unresponsive patient *2. Pharynx* a. Muscular tube that extends from the nose and mouth to the esophagus and trachea b. Composed of: i. Nasopharynx ii. Oropharynx iii. Laryngopharynx (hypopharynx) Lower airway - ANSWER Extends from the glottis to the pulmonary capillary membrane. 1. *Larynx* 2. *Thyroid cartilage* 3. *Cricoid cartilage (cricoid ring)* 4. *Cricothyroid membrane* 5. *Glottis* 6. *Trachea* 1. Larynx - ANSWER -Complex structure formed by many independent cartilaginous structures -Marks where the upper airway ends and lower airway begins 2. Thyroid cartilage - ANSWER -Shield-shaped structure formed by two plates that join in a "V" shape anteriorly to form the laryngeal prominence i. Known as the Adam's apple ii. More pronounced in men iii. Can be difficult to locate in obese or short-necked patients -Suspended from the hyoid bone by the thyroid ligament -Directly anterior to the glottic opening 3. Cricoid cartilage (cricoid ring) - ANSWER -Lies inferiorly to the thyroid cartilage -Forms the lowest portion of the larynx -More prominent in females