Supporting a patient’s airway, ventilation, and respiration is a priority for EMS providers. The airway management continuum of care is a conceptual approach that emphasizes how all levels of EMS providers can implement these less invasive interventions whenever possible. For most patients that need airway intervention, EMS providers can effectively manage the airway with less invasive airway techniques like sup­plemental oxygen, NIPPV, or OPA/NPA. These practices are clinically appropriate for many patients and have less potential for complication, and data shows these can have equivalent patient outcomes as the use of endotracheal intubation (ETI).

However, there are times when a patient’s presentation calls for a provider to move swiftly to the far end of the airway management con­tinuum, to the more invasive airway management tools. When truly necessary, these interventions can be lifesaving and should be acted on decisively. EMS providers of all levels should practice the skills within their scope of practice to ensure effective team dynamics for airway management, including airway device insertion if applicable.

This program reviews how EMS providers can approach airway inter­ventions with the airway continuum in mind and can improve the speed and effectiveness of airway insertion techniques when the patient’s pre­sentation demands these interventions.

Featuring Reuben Farnsworth, B.S., CCP-C, CP-C, Clinical/Operational Coordinator of Delta County Ambulance District, Colorado.