Indication:
a. Patients with an obstructed airway AND
b. Requiring emergency assisted ventilations AND
c. All conventional methods of ventilation have failed
Assemble all necessary equipment.
a. 14-gauge 1½ inch over the needle IV catheter
b. 5 cc syringe with luer lock fitting
c. 3.0 mm endotracheal tube connector
d. High pressure oxygen source
e. EM-100 Oxylator or BVM
Identify the landmarks
a. Cricoid cartilage
b. Thyroid cartilage
c. Cricothyroid membrane
Prep the skin with betadine (time permitting)
Attach the 14-gauge IV catheter to the 5 cc syringe.
Stabilize the trachea with the non-dominant hand. Insert the catheter into the cricothyroid membrane at a 450 angle towards the feet while aspirating.
Aspiration of air with little effort indicates placement into the trachea. Advance the catheter and remove the needle and syringe.
Attach the 3.0 mm ET tube connector and EM-100 Oxylator OR BVM to the catheter.
Ventilate for a period of 1 second followed by 2 – 3 seconds of expiration time.
Secure the catheter in place.